Inhalt: "Persisting differences between women's and men's experiences in science make this question as relevant today as it ever was. This book sets out to answer this question, and to propose solutions for the future. Based on extensive research, it emphasizes that science is an intensely social activity. Despite the scientific ethos of universalism and inclusion, scientists and their insitutions are not immune to the prejudices of society as a whole. By presenting women's experiences at all key career stages - from childhood to retirement - the authors reveal the hidden barriers, subtle exclusions and unwritten rules of the scientific workplace, and the effects, both professional and personal, that these have on the female scientist. Based on hundreds of interviews and supported by quantitative analysis, contains vivid personal accounts of sacrifices made and adaptive strategies developed, explains how career success and research discoveries depend on `social capital' the relationships and networks that scientists rely on for access to new ideas and professional support." (author's abstract)