Harem effect (science)
Encyclopedia
In the sociology and history of science, the harem effect refers to a phenomenon whereby a male scientist in a position of power hires a "bevy of female subordinates, competent but less threatening than an equal number of bright young men." While there are numerous historical examples of this phenomenon and the practice may continue today, two examples of this phenomenon stand out in the literature. Erwin Frink Smith, a USDA plant pathologist, hired more than twenty female assistants at the agency to study various agricultural problems in the late 19th and early 20th century. Edward Charles Pickering
, astrophysicist and director of the Harvard College Observatory, assembled what became known as “Pickering's Harem”—an all female staff of a dozen or more to assist in his research programme to gather and analyse stellar spectra.
Edward Charles Pickering
Edward Charles Pickering was an American astronomer and physicist, brother of William Henry Pickering.Along with Carl Vogel, Pickering discovered the first spectroscopic binary stars. He wrote Elements of Physical Manipulations .Pickering attended Boston Latin School, and received his B.S. from...
, astrophysicist and director of the Harvard College Observatory, assembled what became known as “Pickering's Harem”—an all female staff of a dozen or more to assist in his research programme to gather and analyse stellar spectra.
