Why India’s ‘leaky pipeline’ in research is unlike the rest of the world
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Education policy· Mains·
Why in news
The Hindu highlighted the 'leaky pipeline' in India's scientific research, where high female STEM graduation rates fail to translate into research positions due to structural barriers.
Background
India has the highest percentage of female STEM graduates globally, with 43% women at the bachelor's level and nearly 50% at the masters and doctoral levels. Despite this, women face barriers like strict age cut-offs and erratic hiring practices in academic research.
Facts for Prelims
- FactIndia's female science graduates at the bachelor's level: 43%
- FactIndia's female science graduates at the masters and doctoral levels: nearly 50%
- FactStructural barriers identified: strict age cut-offs, erratic hiring, and lack of remote work options.
For Mains
Q. Examine the structural and socio-cultural barriers that contribute to the 'leaky pipeline' for women in India's scientific research despite high STEM graduation rates.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Institutional bias: Rigid age cut-offs and erratic hiring practices in academic research
- Socio-cultural friction: Conflict between social expectations and career progression in STEM
- Infrastructure gap: Lack of remote work options in academic settings for female researchers
Keywords: leaky pipeline · structural barriers · STEM education · gender parity · academic research · socio-cultural expectations
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.