Gender rates in this forum It seems an odd abstraction to me to begin to attribute phenomena created by social context to innate characteristics of a gender/sex. We know the social conditions of males and females are different. It seems a dangerous path to then, as males, to try to formulate an understanding of females as innately different.
The distribution of those who "philosophize" or think philosophically, is probably even. The distribution of who is respected, supported, and encouraged in academic settings of Philosophy is probably quite skewed. Similar to the field of engineering, some women don't continue the pursuit because the uphill battle isn't worth it- this phenomena in my mind says more about culture and society than it does about innate characteristics of sex/gender, although I'm uncomfortable lumping those two words together.
Is there still a strong cultural gender-bias? — Raul
I think it's readily apparent the answer to this question is a resounding yes. This makes the more important question obvious: Why is there still a strong cultural gender-bias? (Although I think we are misusing the term 'gender' here but for conversational purposes I'll go along with it). Have we altered society and culture enough to re-shape biases away from the problematic ones we are observing? What forces perpetuate these biases? How can we cultivate human potential differently than we currently do, and historically have?
And the most interesting question is:
What is missing from the forum because of this bias? What voices are not being heard, what perspectives might they add, what anxieties might they elicit? — Banno
I wish there were more people 'doing philosophy' in general. How philosophy is discussed is often un-inviting for many, perhaps that needs to change. If the rules were made by males and for males, we can hardly be surprised when males continue to foster a space that only they feel truly comfortable in. I have a feeling many thoughtful females shrug it off as "their loss" and move on with their lives, cultivating spaces where they share their ideas and enjoy discourse. I hardly think they'd like to come to a place where questions like this are being asked:
are man more attracted to philosophy than woman, the other way around? — Raul
Which is a question that presupposes a lot, I think.
Interesting thoughts all, I hope my input is understood and welcomed. Please let me know if I am unclear.