Women in Mexican paleontology: a pioneer’s legacy

Abstract

This work presents a gender perspective on the role of women in the development of Mexican Paleontology, in historical times, when this research area was barely considered as a scientific discipline on its own. The pioneering work of explorers and naturalists, especially A. von Humboldt, resulted in a favorable context for the incorporation of geosciences and the eventual development of paleontology as an official science. Nonetheless, the emergence of Paleontology as a new science in Mexico was preceded by a series of changes in the economy and in the sociopolitical aspects of the Mexican society. The creation of multiple scientific societies during the last decades of the 19th century, allowed a gradual change in the scientific paradigm when the new century arrived, but not large enough to encompass the participation of women in science. The professional collaboration in interdisciplinary teams of scientist working toward common goals was key to promote the establishment of Paleontology as an independent and solid research line by itself. Women contributions, generally ignored or overlooked, were fundamental for the evolution of Paleontology. In spite of the regional context in Mexico, the international context was gradually opening its doors for women scientists.