ABSTRACT
The chapter discusses the underrepresentation of women in different fields of study in academia – including STEM fields – but focuses specifically on philosophy. It begins by showing consistent data demonstrating a trending decline among women as they move further in their academic careers. Several issues are presented and discussed as probable causes of this lack of balance, such as gender stereotypes, imposter syndrome, sexual harassment, sexism, glass ceiling, and bias. The chapter also argues that it is critical to promote gender balance in higher education in general and philosophy in particular, and discusses key recommendations to promote women’s visibility in philosophy and attract and retain women in this field.
