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There was danger at times that women might not be judged…

“There was danger at times that women might not be judged by the highest standards, but more leniently because of their sex. "She is a remarkably good chemist--for a woman," you might hear a man say. It seemed to me essential, if the ablest young women scholars were to achieve the best work of…” quote by Virginia Gildersleeve
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“There was danger at times that women might not be judged by the highest standards, but more leniently because of their sex. "She is a remarkably good chemist--for a woman," you might hear a man say. It seemed to me essential, if the ablest young women scholars were to achieve the best work of which they were capable, that they should be held to the most rigorous standards. ...To advance, a woman must do at least as good work as her male colleagues, usually better.”

Virginia Gildersleeve

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Women must be judged by the same rigorous standards as men; any leniency undermines their potential and progress

In simple terms: Women need equal standards to succeed

Key Takeaway

Uphold high standards for women

Themes

gender equality education meritocracy

Mood

determined hopeful

Type

motivational inspirational

When to use this quote

  • academic hiring
  • research funding
  • career advancement
  • peer review

Key Concepts

feminism bias excellence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can institutions enforce equal standards?
  • What barriers remain for women scholars?
A Different Perspective

Societal bias may still favor men despite standards

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