Gen Z Doctor Faces Sexist Backlash After PhD Celebration

UPDATE: Dr. Juliet Turner, a 27-year-old ecologist who just earned her Ph.D. from the University of Oxford, is facing a wave of sexist backlash after sharing her academic achievement on social media. The shocking responses come after she posted, “I passed my viva exam! After ~4 years of research, I successfully defended my thesis. You can call me Doctor” on November 14, 2023. The post quickly garnered over 51,000 likes, but not all responses were congratulatory.

Turner’s research on the evolution of cooperation among insects has been overshadowed by a barrage of misogynistic comments from online trolls. Many users criticized her choice to pursue academia instead of traditional roles, with one remarking, “30 years old and zero kids. Her ancestors are ashamed of her.” Others suggested that her academic career would hinder her ability to have children, with one user claiming, “If you follow an academic career, you will be unlikely to ever have or raise children.”

Dr. Turner expressed her disbelief at the response, stating, “I never expected this reaction. Every time I open the app, I’m flooded by new posts of strangers weighing in on either the validity of my thesis topic, the health of my eggs, or the wisdom of my life choices!” This reaction highlights a disturbing trend in online discourse about women in academia, particularly among younger generations.

Recent data from Amnesty International indicates that 73% of Gen Z users in the U.K. have witnessed misogynistic content online. Additionally, 70% believe that such language has increased across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

While Turner has not personally experienced overt discrimination in her academic career, she acknowledges the challenges women face in balancing motherhood and professional responsibilities. “It’s a hard line to walk because, on one hand, you want to show that you are capable, but also there are many people who are very ready to interpret your conviction as conceitedness,” she said.

Despite the negativity, Turner remains focused on her work as a pollinator ecologist, engaging in applied conservation research across the U.K. “It’s nice to be working with real organisms again,” she noted, emphasizing her commitment to both evolutionary projects and science communication.

As the conversation around women in STEM continues, Turner’s experience underscores the urgent need for societal change regarding perceptions of women’s roles in academia. She reminds us, “The idea that doing a Ph.D. means you probably won’t have children is odd. I come from an academic family myself, so I’m living proof that academics are capable of self-replication!”

Dr. Turner’s story is not just about academic achievement; it reflects the ongoing struggle against misogyny in the digital age. The online vitriol serves as a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to support women pursuing careers in science and education.

Stay tuned as this story develops, and join the conversation about the challenges women face in academia today.