Diverse women scientists in Finland surrounded by media symbols.

Shattering the Glass Ceiling: How Finland Leads in Championing Women in Research

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Samir D’Costa in Culture & Society August 2025 • 5 min read.

"Discover how Finnish media is reshaping the narrative around women in science, creating a ripple effect of encouragement and empowerment."


For decades, the underrepresentation of women in science and academia has been a pressing issue worldwide. From policy discussions to grassroots initiatives, the focus has been on leveling the playing field and encouraging more women to pursue careers in research. Central to this conversation is the role of media, which can either perpetuate outdated stereotypes or provide positive role models for young women. But how effective are these media portrayals, especially outside the well-trodden territories of the US and UK?

A compelling study emerges from Finland, offering a unique perspective on this issue. Finland, known for its commitment to gender equality and its robust research environment, provides an intriguing backdrop for examining how women researchers are represented in the media. This article delves into the findings of this study, exploring the frames, narratives, and linguistic nuances used to portray women in Finnish print media. By understanding these representations, we can gain valuable insights into how media can be a catalyst for change.

This article highlights the key insights from the research, contrasting them with findings from other countries and highlighting the potential for media to inspire the next generation of female scientists. Get ready to challenge your assumptions and discover how a balanced and diverse media landscape can empower women in research.

Finland's Media Landscape: A Fertile Ground for Female Researchers

Diverse women scientists in Finland surrounded by media symbols.

The Finnish study meticulously analyzed 107 interviews with women researchers across various fields, published between 1997 and 2014 in Finnish newspapers, women's magazines, and general interest publications. An overwhelming majority of these interviews were penned by female journalists, suggesting a potential sensitivity and nuanced approach to the subject matter. The analysis focused on both the social and linguistic aspects of these interviews, examining how women researchers were framed and what language was used to describe them.

The study identified several dominant frames through which women researchers were portrayed:

  • The Expert: This frame emphasizes the researcher's expertise and knowledge, focusing on the substance of their work rather than their personal attributes.
  • The Top Researcher: This frame highlights the researcher's accomplishments and leadership in their field, showcasing their success and impact.
  • The Multi-Talent: This frame portrays the researcher as someone with diverse interests and talents, excelling not only in research but also in other areas such as arts, writing, or public engagement.
  • The New PhD: This frame focuses on young researchers at the beginning of their careers, highlighting their potential and promise.
  • The Pioneer: This frame celebrates women who have broken barriers and paved the way for others in their field.
Interestingly, the study found that the “Assistant” frame, often seen in US media, was entirely absent in the Finnish context. This suggests a more equitable portrayal of women in research, where they are recognized as leaders and experts rather than subordinate figures. Furthermore, the interviews frequently mentioned the researcher’s family context, often highlighting how they balance their career with family life. This narrative serves to convey that it is possible, and indeed common, to combine a successful research career with a fulfilling family life.

A Blueprint for Change: Empowering Women in Science Through Media

The Finnish study offers a hopeful perspective on the role of media in shaping perceptions of women in science. By showcasing diverse representations of female researchers, Finnish media is challenging stereotypes and inspiring young women to consider research as a viable and rewarding career path. While the study also reveals areas for improvement, such as the underrepresentation of women from immigrant or ethnic minority backgrounds, it provides a valuable blueprint for other countries seeking to promote gender equality in science. The key lies in a conscious effort to move beyond stereotypical portrayals, celebrate the diverse talents and experiences of women researchers, and highlight their contributions to society. By doing so, we can create a media landscape that empowers and encourages the next generation of female scientists.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What specific frames or narratives does Finnish media use when portraying women researchers, and how do these differ from those used in other countries like the US?

The Finnish study identified several dominant frames through which women researchers were portrayed, including 'The Expert,' emphasizing expertise and knowledge; 'The Top Researcher,' highlighting accomplishments and leadership; 'The Multi-Talent,' showcasing diverse interests; 'The New PhD,' focusing on young researchers' potential; and 'The Pioneer,' celebrating barrier-breaking women. Notably, the 'Assistant' frame, common in US media, was absent, indicating a more equitable portrayal.

2

How did the groundbreaking Finnish study actually analyze media portrayals of women scientists to draw its conclusions?

The Finnish study meticulously analyzed 107 interviews with women researchers across various fields, published between 1997 and 2014 in Finnish newspapers, women's magazines, and general interest publications. The analysis examined how women researchers were framed and what language was used to describe them, focusing on both social and linguistic aspects of these interviews.

3

In what ways does Finnish media represent the work-life balance of women researchers, and why is this significant?

Finnish media commonly highlights how women researchers balance their careers with family life. This narrative conveys that it is possible, and indeed common, to combine a successful research career with a fulfilling family life. This representation helps challenge the stereotype that women must choose between career and family.

4

Does the Finnish study reveal any gaps or areas for improvement in how women researchers are represented in Finnish media?

While the Finnish study provides a hopeful perspective, it also reveals areas for improvement. One such area is the underrepresentation of women researchers from immigrant or ethnic minority backgrounds. Addressing this would further enhance diversity and inclusivity in the media's portrayal of women in science.

5

What does the Finnish study tell us about contrasting representations of women in research compared to US media regarding the 'Assistant' role, and what are the broader implications?

The absence of the 'Assistant' frame in Finnish media, which is often seen in US media, suggests a more equitable portrayal of women in research in Finland. In the Finnish context, women researchers are more frequently recognized as leaders and experts rather than subordinate figures. This difference highlights the potential for media to shape perceptions of women's roles in science.

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