Gender Stereotypes Make Women Invisible: The Presence of Female Scientists in the Media

This study examines the visibility and portrayal of female scientists in the media, focusing on the content published by four regional newspapers in the Basque Country and Navarre between 2014 and 2019. Using content analysis (N = 2362), the research identifies trends in representation, disciplines covered, and the persistence of gender stereotypes. While quantitative presence has increased—particularly after the UN declared the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015—qualitative aspects reveal that coverage often relegates women to the status of symbolic figures rather than recognised scientific authorities. Female scientists are disproportionately represented in social sciences and humanities, often framed as interpreters of social trends rather than as researchers presenting empirical findings. In STEM fields, coverage frequently emphasises exceptionalism, gender-related challenges, and caregiving roles, overshadowing scientific contributions. The results highlight how the media’s framing reinforces the perception of science as a male domain, with women as exceptions. The study argues that despite progress in visibility, entrenched stereotypes persist, impacting public perceptions and potentially influencing young women’s scientific aspirations. It calls for a re-evaluation of journalistic practices to ensure more balanced and expertise-centred portrayals of women scientists across all disciplines.