how pervasive the stereotype of science as a male endeavour can be, even at an unconscious level

Now, Brian Nosek

with scientists from over 14 countries, has charted the extent of these implicit associations across the globe, and shown that they predict the size of the gender gap in school-level scientific achievement

The big question then is which came first? Do we have stereotypes because of different performances between men and women, or does the stereotype fuel the gap in performance? It's probably the case that both answers are right, and that stereotypes and gender gaps reinforce each other with small changes spiralling out of control

Nosek's conclusion is that we will fail to battle inequality in the sciences unless both issues are tackled by the same initiative - encouraging women to take up a scientific career will do little without addressing the all-encompassing stereotypes they face