Word: academiae
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...very public president, Summers has rightly broadened his interests while also trying to stay true to his academic roots. The two identities are, however, not without tension. Indeed, his latest attempt to spark discussion on the important topic of women’s under-representation in academia has run into a problem: instead of embarking on research to find out why women are under-represented in academia, too many people are instinctively interpreting Summers’ presentation of scientific hypotheses as an attack on women...
Unfortunately, that has not happened in this case. Summers discussed multiple theories that might or might not explain female underrepresentation in academia. He has since been pilloried because one of the theories he mentioned offended people’s sense of political correctness. Though Summers appropriately faced some academic criticism on the merits of the innate differences theory he mentioned—one sociologist called the remarks “uninformed” and her co-author told The Crimson that the innate differences idea is “too simplistic”—many attacks have misinterpreted...
...perfectly legitimate criticism, hardly rendering the question of innate differences invalid for discussion or further research. In fact, it is a good question to study precisely because different researchers view it differently. Opposition to inquiry into unanswered questions is anathema to the core principles of academia...
...Professor of Economics Claudia Goldin, whose own research has examined the progress of women in academia and professional life, said she “was pretty flummoxed” by the negative response to Summers’ speech, which—in her view—displayed “utter brilliance...
Goldin said that Summers’ support for women in academia is well-known. “The reason Larry gave this talk is that he’s extremely interested in the way that institutions can enable individuals to perform to their maximum. And it bothers him when individuals do not perform to their maximum,” Goldin said. She added that Summers is “really dedicated to changing institutions” so that women can attain leadership roles throughout academia...