DigeeBooks

From the Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist who broke the story, the inspiring account of the sixteen female scientists who forced MIT to publicly admit it had been discriminating against its female faculty for years—sparking a nationwide reckoning with the pervasive sexism in science. In 1999, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology admitted to discriminating against women on its faculty, forcing institutions across the country to confront a problem they had long ignored: the need for more women at the top levels of science. Written by the journalist who broke the story for The Boston Globe, The Exceptions is the untold story of how sixteen highly accomplished women on the MIT faculty came together to do the work that triggered the historic admission. The Exceptions centers on the life of Nancy Hopkins, a reluctant feminist who became the leader of the sixteen and a hero to two generations of women in science. Hired to prestigious universities at the dawn of affirmative action efforts in the 1970s, Dr. Hopkins and her peers embarked on their careers believing that discrimination against women was a thing of the past—that science was, at last, a pure meritocracy. For years they explained away the discrimination they experienced as the exception, not the rule. Only when these few women came together after decades of underpayment and the denial of credit, advancement, and equal resources to do their work did they recognize the relentless pattern: women were often marginalized and minimized, especially as they grew older. Meanwhile, men of similar or lesser ability had their career paths paved and widened. The Exceptions is a powerful yet all-too-familiar story that will resonate with all professional women who experience what those at MIT called “21st-century discrimination”—a subtle and stubborn bias, often unconscious but still damaging. As in bestsellers from Hidden Figures to Lab Girl and Code Girls, we are offered a rare glimpse into the world of high-level scientific research and learn about the extraordinary female scientists whose work has been overlooked throughout history, and how these women courageously fought for fair treatment as they struggled to achieve the recognition they rightfully deserve.

In her groundbreaking book, "The Exceptions: Nancy Hopkins, MIT, and the Fight for Women in Science," Kate Zernike delves into the extraordinary life and career of Nancy Hopkins, a pioneering scientist who shattered glass ceilings and revolutionized the landscape of gender equality in academia. As a gifted molecular biologist, Hopkins made significant contributions to the field of cancer research while simultaneously battling institutional barriers and biases that marginalized women in science. Zernike's meticulously researched narrative illuminates the challenges faced by Hopkins as she navigated the predominantly male-dominated world of science, highlighting both her resilience and the resilience of other women scientists who dared to challenge the status quo.

Zernike artfully intertwines Hopkins' personal journey with the broader historical context of the women's rights movement and the fight for gender equality in the workplace. She deftly exposes the systemic obstacles that women in academia encountered, including discrimination, lack of opportunities, and the insidious "leaky pipeline" phenomenon that resulted in a dearth of female representation in higher ranks. Through Hopkins' experiences, Zernike exposes the insidious ways in which unconscious bias and institutional barriers can stifle the careers of talented women scientists, limiting their contributions to science and society as a whole.

The book serves as a testament to Hopkins' unwavering determination and her unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable environment for women in science. Her tireless efforts, alongside those of countless other trailblazing women, paved the way for future generations of female scientists to pursue their passions and achieve success in their chosen fields. Zernike's captivating storytelling and in-depth research make "The Exceptions" an essential read for anyone interested in the history of science, gender studies, or the ongoing fight for equality in all aspects of life.