What is it about?
Planetariums help people learn about space, science, and technology, but these subjects are often seen as the domains of men. This study explores whether planetarium exhibitions reflect this gender bias. We looked at an exhibition called "Space Mission" and found that it emphasises science as something technical, competitive, and fact-focused. These qualities are often linked to masculinity, which might make some visitors feel excluded, especially those who don’t identify with these traits. We discuss why this might be happening and what it could mean for creating more inclusive science exhibitions in the future.
Featured Image
Photo by Tyler van der Hoeven on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This research is important because it highlights how planetarium exhibitions, which aim to educate the public, may unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes. As science and technology fields work to become more inclusive, understanding how exhibitions contribute to gender bias is timely and relevant. The findings suggest that the way science is presented—competitive, technical, and individualistic—might discourage diverse audiences from engaging with it. Addressing this issue could help make science more accessible to everyone, fostering a more inclusive environment in education and outreach efforts.
Perspectives
As a female biologist and co-author of this study, I am deeply invested in exploring how science is shaped not only by objective fact-finding but by the societal, institutional, and social contexts we (and it) exist within. This research sheds light on the gendered structures embedded within science exhibitions, an issue that often goes unnoticed but has far-reaching implications. It's crucial to recognise that science is not practiced in a vacuum; it is influenced by cultural norms and biases that can shape who feels included in scientific spaces. By examining how planetarium exhibitions may reinforce masculine stereotypes, I hope to challenge these norms and contribute to creating more inclusive, welcoming environments in science. Disseminating this idea is important to me, as it can help break down barriers and foster a broader understanding of science as something accessible to everyone, regardless of gender or background.
Dr. Marianne Achiam
University of Copenhagen
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The implied visitor in a planetarium exhibition, Museum Management and Curatorship, November 2019, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/09647775.2019.1691637.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
