A study of the sociology of science from a women's perspective often proves a mixed bag. At the same time that the criticism of established scientific beliefs and biases offers comfort, the realities themselves are often disheartening. Historically, the important contributions of many women to science have often been veiled. Some women, for fear of prejudice, continue to use only initials and last names on their own research publications. Some areas of science are still almost completely male-dominated.
Women earn less money in almost every area of science.
Society's image of the typical scientist is still overwhelmingly male. While it can be reassuring to generalize and understand one's own gender-based hardships as a woman in science, it is often easier to cope by ignoring the struggles of broader womankind, divorcing oneself from a female identity and being concerned solely with one's own personal and limited set of ups and downs. In the long-term, however, the investigation of science from a women's studies perspective is a highly beneficial pursuit for all scientists. Because the practice of physical science is just as much a culturally-constructed phenomenon as is the practice of political science, the consideration of these questions is the first step in recognizing the true richness and complexity of science. It is the first step in making science better.