The Impact of Social Marginalisation on Science Engagement and the Extent of Barrier Reduction

This paper examines the impact of social marginalisation, including race, gender, and social class, on science engagement. Socially marginalised groups, such as women, people of colour, and lower socioeconomic classes, face significant barriers in science education and careers due to discrimination, stereotyping, and limited access to science capital. The paper explores how these factors intersect to influence the formation of scientific identity and contribute to underrepresentation in scientific fields. Efforts to reduce these barriers, such as inclusive science communication and stereotype manipulation, are critically evaluated. Although these interventions offer potential solutions, they remain idealistic and face significant challenges. The paper concludes that addressing these barriers requires deep structural and cultural reforms within the scientific community.