The problem with people in positions of power in academia

<p> In <a class="wikilink" href="/academia/"> academia </a> , there is a clear problem with <a class="wikilink" href="/gender_unbalance/"> gender unbalance </a> . The unbalance is a fact, especially true for STEM disciplines, and almost universal. Many researchers acknowledge that it is a problem and that something must be done to correct it. One of the problems is that grants and positions are given based on metrics that favor men. </p> <p> Now, when I say <em> are given </em> , I actually mean that someone made a decision. There is a person who goes through the CV of the applicant and assigns points or emits a verdict. That person, who in that moment holds a lot of power, is able to correct for the systemic bias. But do they do it? (see <a href="https://twitter.com/calippoebbira/status/1309384279735128064?s=20"> this tweet </a> by <a class="wikilink" href="/andrea_baldi/"> Andrea Baldi </a> ). See: <a class="wikilink" href="/the_hidden_power_of_individual_reviewers/"> the hidden power of individual reviewers </a> </p> <p> Researchers in positions of power normally lack the courage to actively decide. They excuse themselves saying 'the rules of the game'. I say fuck the game. You can make a change, just do it! And I believe it is this lack of individual empowerment that is detrimental for the scientific collective. It is the professor reviewing a grant or a tenure application, seated in a comfy chair, probably behind the wall of anonymity, that in the moment in which they can make a difference they claim to work <em> unbiased </em> . </p> <p> Even if people hide the names of the applicants, they will fall prey of <a class="wikilink" href="/the_myth_of_the_double_blind/"> the myth of the double blind </a> , which lacks acknowledging that men and women are not operating in a leveled playing field. </p> <p> And people in position of power in academia appear at different stages and with different roles. It may be a reviewer, but it may also be a conference organizer (see: <a class="wikilink" href="/women_are_half_the_population,_not_a_minority/"> women are half the population, not a minority </a> and <a class="wikilink" href="/limit_the_number_of_male_speakers_in_conferences/"> limit the number of male speakers in conferences </a> ). </p> <p> A generalized issue, I believe, is that most men in positions of power do not stop to think, reflect, engage in meaningful discussions, nor seek external help. Which is completely in line with the idea that <a class="wikilink" href="/if_you_are_the_problem,_you_can't_be_the_solution/"> if you are the problem, you can't be the solution </a> . </p>