Recognizing the historical role and contributions of female scientists in Brazilian public administration

Abstract Despite the expansion of the scientific field of public administration in Brazil, studies on gender issues in this science are still rare. Given this gap, this study sought to review and understand the historical role and contribution of female scientists in the field of public administration in Brazil. Documentary research was carried out in the most traditional journals in the area and with the Brazilian Academy of Management (ANPAD) to identify the female scientists with the most publications in these journals and those who have taken on leadership positions in this association. This sample was used to characterize three generations of female scientists and their contributions in different periods, from the formation to the consolidation of the field. The joint analysis of the data made it possible to identify similarities and differences between these generations, making it possible to characterize the scientific work of these women and raise issues related to gender inequality and other asymmetries existing in the scientific field of public administration in Brazil.