Poverty and social background remain huge barriers in scientific careers
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Re: Poverty and social background remain huge barriers in scientific careers
#2I'm actually surprised well-off students choose science over well-paying careers given that it is well known that there is no money in research.
My own kids and their friends often express that science is interesting but they won't get into it because of that.
Re: Poverty and social background remain huge barriers in scientific careers
#3I'm actually surprised well-off students choose science over well-paying careers given that it is well known that there is no money in research. My own kids and their friends often express that science is interesting but they won't get into it because of that.
I don't know what anyone else's story is, but for myself, everything was given to me by my parents. We weren't exactly rich, but I was certainly privileged. Whatever I asked for, I got. So, when a university education was given to me, I thought I could just "follow my dream" and not concern myself too much with making an income, because why should I? Making an income had never seemed like a concern, so I studied pure mathematics.
When my father died and my personal gold mine with him, I had to drop out of mathematics (which I was half-assing anyway), find a way to make money, and here I am now: software developer.
Re: Poverty and social background remain huge barriers in scientific careers
#4Great! Problem is not that scientists are often paid less than McDonald's burger flipper.
No! It is social and gender issue! Lets push even more students into this career path.
Re: Poverty and social background remain huge barriers in scientific careers
#5I'm actually surprised well-off students choose science over well-paying careers given that it is well known that there is no money in research. My own kids and their friends often express that science is interesting but they won't get into it because of that.
Isn't it a well-known phenomenon that the children of well-to-do parents often end up in the arts and other fields with high cultural capital? Having money allows you to not worry about money.
Re: Poverty and social background remain huge barriers in scientific careers
#6I'm actually surprised well-off students choose science over well-paying careers given that it is well known that there is no money in research. My own kids and their friends often express that science is interesting but they won't get into it because of that.
I don't know what anyone else's story is, but for myself, everything was given to me by my parents. We weren't exactly rich, but I was certainly privileged. Whatever I asked for, I got. So, when a university education was given to me, I thought I could just "follow my dream" and not concern myself too much with making an income, because why should I? Making an income had never seemed like a concern, so I studied pure…
the easier kids have it during childhood, the harder the reality hits later (if ever). some frugality in upbringing instead of just throwing money on them to compensate lack of time spent with them goes much, much longer way
Re: Poverty and social background remain huge barriers in scientific careers
#7Studies have shown a major factor in young people's likeliness of going into science is whether their families think highly of science and science careers (regardless of parents' education levels). I'd imagine the ivory-tower nature of science can contribute a class divides in this respect as well.
Re: Poverty and social background remain huge barriers in scientific careers
#8Earlier quoted context omitted.
I don't know what anyone else's story is, but for myself, everything was given to me by my parents. We weren't exactly rich, but I was certainly privileged. Whatever I asked for, I got. So, when a university education was given to me, I thought I could just "follow my dream" and not concern myself too much with making an income, because why should I? Making an income had never seemed like a concern, so I studied pure…
the easier kids have it during childhood, the harder the reality hits later (if ever). some frugality in upbringing instead of just throwing money on them to compensate lack of time spent with them goes much, much longer way
I get what you're trying to say but I just want to point out that reality still probably hits harder when life was always hard.
Growing up with nothing into an adulthood with no support network and few prospects, where our society blames you for being in that situation, is a harder draw than being taken care of until you're halfway through college then having to find your own way.
Re: Poverty and social background remain huge barriers in scientific careers
#9Great! Problem is not that scientists are often paid less than McDonald's burger flipper. No! It is social and gender issue! Lets push even more students into this career path.
So there is no possible way that the issues could be related.
It's only that stupid social justice that makes people talk about demographics and socio economics as we all know. There is no other reason to look into it...
Re: Poverty and social background remain huge barriers in scientific careers
#10Great! Problem is not that scientists are often paid less than McDonald's burger flipper. No! It is social and gender issue! Lets push even more students into this career path.
The low pay for scientists is very definitely related to it not being an accessible path for lower classes.