"A sex so little made to brave the thorns of science": the historical representation of women in mathematics

Speaker's Name: Professor June Barrow-Green
Speaker's Affiliation: The Open University
Speaker's Research Theme(s): School of Mathematical Sciences, Teaching and Learning in Maths Higher Education
Abstract:
From medieval times to the modern day, female mathematicians, real and fictional, have been represented in a variety of ways, both visually and verbally. By studying such representations, we learn about the women represented and about the attitudes prevailing at the time the representations were created. But deeper questions are invited. How did these representations shape the types of mathematical knowledge women were able to claim? What effect do these representations have on modern-day viewers and readers? Do they, for instance, continue to marginalise the mathematical expertise of women? How can they be used to encourage the participation of women in the mathematical community today?

Venue: Keighton Auditorium