The Exceptions | Zernike, Kate

Kurze Beschreibung
The story of how a group of determined, brilliant women used the power of the collective and the tools of science to inspire ongoing radical change. It shows that real power is collective power and that speaking up and allying yourself with likeminded others is one of the key pathways to change. This is a triumphant story - real progress has been made - and yet the problems persist. Kate Zernike tells us why.


Lange Beschreibung
'Outstanding' Bonnie Garmus, bestselling author of Lessons in Chemistry

The remarkable untold story of how a group of sixteen determined women used the power of the collective and the tools of science to inspire ongoing radical change. This is a triumphant account of progress, whilst reminding us that further action is needed.

These women scientists entered the work force in the 1960s during a push for affirmative action. Embarking on their careers they thought that discrimination against women was a thing of the past and that science was a pure meritocracy. Women were marginalized and minimized, especially as they grew older, their contributions stolen and erased.

Written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who broke the story in 1999 for The Boston Globe, when the Massachusetts Institute of Technology made the astonishing admission that it discriminated against women on its faculty, The Exceptions is an intimate narrative which centres on Nancy Hopkins - a surprisingly reluctant feminist who became a hero to two generations of women in science.

In uncovering an erased history, we are finally introduced to the hidden scientists who paved the way for collective change.

Rezensierung
'The Exceptions tells the infuriating, inspiring story of the sexism faced by female scientists at M.I.T. - and how they fought back... Thanks to Zernike, we see the personal toll unconscious bias takes - not just in time lost or talent discarded, but on the greater good. Maybe the reason we're still running for the cure is because systemic discrimination continues to run even faster. The good news is, Zernike's book will inspire a host of non-renegades to do something about it. Rules are indeed made to be broken. Have at it.' Bonnie Garmus New York Times