Recent trends in the U.S. Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (BSSR) workforce
Hyungjo Hur1, Maryam A Andalib2, Julie A Maurer1
1John Glenn College of Public Affairs, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America.
Plos One
|February 7, 2017
Summary
Diversity in behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR) is lacking, with field-specific gender imbalances and underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities. Funding also disproportionately affects minority scientists in BSSR fields.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (BSSR)
- STEM Workforce Diversity
Background:
- Most STEM diversity studies overlook the significant behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR) workforce.
- BSSR fields face unique challenges in gender balance and racial/ethnic representation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate demographic trends and productivity in the U.S. BSSR workforce over the past decade.
- To identify disparities in gender, race, ethnicity, and funding within BSSR fields.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of major demographic trends in the BSSR workforce.
- Examination of productivity and funding distribution across different demographic groups.
Main Results:
- Demographic trends vary significantly across different BSSR fields.
- Gender balance is not uniform; economics and political science remain male-dominated.
- All BSSR fields exhibit a lack of racial and ethnic diversity, worse than biomedical sciences or engineering.
- Minorities in many BSSR subfields are less likely to receive funding.
Conclusions:
- The BSSR workforce requires targeted diversity initiatives, addressing field-specific issues.
- Policy interventions are needed to improve representation and equitable funding for minorities in BSSR.
- Addressing these disparities is crucial for a more inclusive and representative scientific community.
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