Science and gender in Mexico: Diagnosis and challenges for parity in the National System of Researchers

https://doi.org/10.33110/cimexus210204

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions (IES) in Mexico adopt patriarchal values and models that impact the composition of their teaching staffs and research bodies, where women have less participation, at lower levels, with less scientific production, lower income, less recognition and less professional development. The objective of this work is to Identify patterns of convergence in the federal entities of Mexico regarding the gender composition of IES´s research staff that are members of the SNII in
2023. A hierarchical cluster analysis methodology is used, which allows to form groups with similar characteristics. As part of the results, six clusters are shown, with the greatest gender differences between levels in Campeche, and the greatest progress towards parity in Nayarit. All clusters show a growing underrepresentation of women as the level of recognition in the SNII increases. This highlights the need to establish equity strategies in the educational policies, which will support female
researchers in advancing their professional careers and contributing to science.