Parenthood and science – a balancing act (February 2009)

German universities have demonstrated an exceptionally high proportion of childless female professors and increasing childlessness among junior scientists of both sexes. Germany also brings up the rear in a European comparison in terms of the integration of women in science. While the question of the compatibility of scientific work and family has long been focused almost exclusively on women, this compatibility problem has acquired a gender-transcending significance in the sciences in recent years due to changing roll distribution and the increase in dual-career couples.

Five chapters on the topic look at the issue of balancing a career in science and family; encompassing compatibility of career and family, birth trends and demographic development, forms of partnership and role distribution, course of career in science as well as measures and developments in areas of university policy. As always, Research Special offers a comprehensive overview of all the latest social science literature and research references on this topic.

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