When motherhood is seen as an obstacle in academia – 01/17/2024 – Fundamental Science

As the curtains closed on 2023, the academy was rocked by an iconic incident. A researcher, when applying for a grant, received an opinion from an external consultant from the National Scientific and Technological Council (CNPq) alleging that her pregnancies had “disturbed” certain aspects of her career. And, no, this was not an isolated case that occurred in the midst of a paradise in Brazilian academia and science.

The use of the word “disturb”, full of prejudices, clearly highlights how motherhood is perceived and treated in the academic setting. The episode, far from being an exception, sheds light on the daily complexities faced by mothers at the gym. This discriminatory practice, rooted in outdated structures and persistent stereotypes, occurs throughout the lives of many academic mothers.

We need to question not just the specific circumstances of this incident, but the broader framework that allows for such assessments. Motherhood undoubtedly has a significant impact on women’s careers, especially in a society in which they are predominantly responsible for family care. However, the obstacle to mothers’ professional progression is not inherent to motherhood itself, but a consequence of an outdated and inefficient career model.

We live in an environment where the trajectory of “promising” careers, without pauses or detours, is shaped by the rigidity of academia. Motherhood is interpreted as an obstacle, perpetuating the idea that career and family are incompatible (for women). Mothers have always lost their place in academia, being excluded due to a culture that confuses dedication with sacrifice.

But academic mothers have already taken a step forward, not as victims of this intransigence, but as transformative agents. The Brazilian Parent in Science movement, as well as other collectives and groups across the country, emerged in the midst of a challenging context to promote change. Mothers at the academy are not looking for privileges, but for a fair environment that accepts trajectories that integrate motherhood and career in a balanced way. And the mothers’ struggles have generated concrete results.

In 2021, the Lattes platform, which concentrates the CVs of Brazilian scientists, incorporated a new field called “licenses”. This update, which requires the acceptance of breaks in the academic journey as natural events in life, opened doors to reformulate academic assessments. For example, the inclusion of correction factors in CV grades or expansion of the periods evaluated in selections, competitions and notices.

However, it is essential to universalize these rules, ensuring their consistent application and establishing clear protocols to avoid ambiguous interpretations. In 2023, the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) updated the Sucupira Platform, a database of postgraduate programs in Brazil, including specific fields for information about licenses. This change impacts CAPES assessments, allowing for flexibility in assessment criteria, especially for students who face resistance to exercising their right to maternity leave, under allegations of possible effects on course completion times, a significant factor in CAPES assessments.

Still in 2023, the Ministry of Education launched a working group dedicated to developing a National Maternal Permanence Policy in Brazilian Higher Education Institutions, officially recognizing the category “mother” within the academic environment.

There have been concrete advances in recent years. But we know that comprehensive transformation will not happen overnight and requires ongoing effort. Furthermore, in this dialogue in search of change, it is essential to understand that the intersectionality of motherhood with factors such as race amplifies the disparities faced by academics.

The experiences of mothers in academia are diverse and shaped by multiple intersectional identities. It is enough to see that black and indigenous women remain absent from the highest positions on CNPq scholarships. Thus, addressing the challenges posed by discriminatory practices and systemic issues requires a detailed and comprehensive approach that considers the complex interaction of several factors.

It is imperative that academia recognizes and values ​​the diversity of trajectories, dismantling the antiquated conception that success is exclusive to those who fit into a single pattern.

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Fernanda Staniscuaski is a professor at the Biosciences Institute and researcher at the UFRGS Biotechnology Center. Mother of three children, she is the founder and coordinator of the Parent in Science Movement.

The Fundamental Science blog is edited by Serrapilheira, a private, non-profit institute that promotes science in Brazil. Sign up for the Serrapilheira newsletter to keep up to date with news from the institute and the blog.

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