research by insiders

October 31, 2011 11:21 AM

Does anyone know of any published studies that demonstrate that members of minority groups (ethnic, sexual, etc.) are more likely to engage in scientific research about members of their own groups than non-members are? It seems like common sense but I'd really like to get something in writing.
posted by dlugoczaj to Society & Culture (4 answers total)

You might try this as a starting point
posted by jannw at 11:32 AM on October 31, 2011

You could also look at tenure records. It would plausibly be more difficult for a white person to get tenured studying minority groups than it would be for a member of the minority to get that tenure position.
posted by alms at 12:05 PM on October 31, 2011

I don't really see why it'd be more difficult to get tenure. I think it is more likely difficult to get an initial position. As a white person studying minority groups, this is more my concern. I'll be interested if you find anything.
posted by quodlibet at 3:59 PM on October 31, 2011

quodlibet, I agree, actually. It's when you show up for that first interview and they realize that you aren't the race they assumed you were that it gets difficult.
posted by alms at 5:45 PM on October 31, 2011