Women in Education and Science Cover Image

Žene u obrazovanju i nauci
Women in Education and Science

Author(s): Marija Bogdanović
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: Sociološko naučno društvo Srbije
Keywords: females; males; participation; science; research institutes; university;

Summary/Abstract: This paper predominantly analyzes the position that women hold in research institutes in Serbia and at the University of Belgrade. The data were collected in May and June, 2006 from the website of the Ministry of science and environment (related to research institutes in Serbia) and directly from 30 faculties of Belgrade University. Among 162 researchers employed in research institutes, women are equally represented with men, not only in the number of employed persons (49% and 51 %, respectively), but also considering the researchers with PhDs (49% vs. 51%), and without PhDs (48% vs. 51%). Also, in both sexes there are the same number of researchers with PhDs (38%: 39%) and without PhDs around 60 % (62%:61%). In spite of a high level of equality between males and females according to the presented data, only 22 females are directors of research institutes, i.e. 0.69% of researchers with PhDs. During the long history of Belgrade University (founded in 1838), only 31.6% out of 34,237 Masters and PhD diplomas were awarded to women (34% of Masters and only 27.7% of PhDs), which indicates the evident difference between males and females. Today, 58% of students are female and women are in a majority at 50% of the faculties of Belgrade University (at some the proportion of female students is even more than 80%). Also, according to data in 2000, more females (60.2%) than males got their diplomas. According to the teaching positions at Belgrade University some 43.3% are held by women, but among professors only 37.4% are female in comparison to 51% among teaching assistants. There are significant differences between the faculties in this respect: the highest proportion of female professors is found in the group of medical sciences (51.3%), the highest proportion of female assistants is found in the group of social sciences (64%). Females are not represented in leading positions at Belgrade University in spite of their qualifications. The University of Belgrade has had only one women elected as a Rector in its long history. During 2000-2004 there were six women Deans while today there are only three (out of 31 faculties). There is more gender equality in research institutes in Serbia than at Belgrade University. Also, women are seriously underrepresented in leading positions at all the analyzed scientific institutions, in spite of their qualifications. Bearing that in mind, it seems it will take another century for women to achieve an equal position to that of their male counterparts.

  • Issue Year: 48/2006
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 327-340
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: English