Why is mathematics special?
Mathematics has a key function in many fields of research and plays a role in numerous aspects of everyday life. At the same time, mathematics has a strongly connotated and reproduced image in the society – mathematicians are far too often seen as white, male, nerdy and introverted, professorships in mathematics are still held by white males at a rate of over 75%. Interestingly, this does not correspond to the actual image of people interested in mathematics, neither today nor in the past. Mathematics was already a popular subject for women at the beginning of official women’s studies, and today the starting figures in mathematics courses are almost 50%. There is no evidence that ability in mathematics is dependent on personality traits. Mathematics is diverse and colorful!
Gender and Mathematics is about gender equality in mathematics in the broadest sense. It can focus on very different topics, such as the socially male-dominated image of mathematics, the current visibility of women ( generally of non-male people) in mathematics, the subject culture of mathematics, the development of gender-sensitive courses in mathematics or practical experiences, positive examples and networks.
The Diversity and Mathematics expands the social view of mathematics to include dimensions relating to personal characteristics such as social background, physical or mental positions, ethnic origin, world view or other characteristics. At the moment, there are hardly any studies that measure equal opportunities in mathematics. And yet we see it as a democratic responsibility of mathematicians to address this issue. Consequently, it is also a goal of our specialist group to fill this gap.
Further Links: Diversity and STEM Lab, Penn State University
The range of Sustainability and Mathematics is particularly diverse. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2023) define “sustainable development” as a comprehensive examination of social, ecological and economic issues to improve the global living situation. Mathematics plays an important role here, alongside social responsibility. Climate models, functional relationships and statistics (see, for example, during the pandemic) etc. must not only be researched, but also communicated. One example of this is the examination of “climate communication” from a mathematics perspective as part of the sustainability process.
DMV stands for equal opportunities and diversity and is against discrimination!
” The DMV welcomes everyone who is interested in math and wants to build a community that is diverse, respectful, accessible and inclusive.
The DMV values the diversity of its members and participants in DMV activities and sees this as a positive value.
As a professional society, the DMV is committed to creating an environment that encourages the open expression and exchange of ideas and is free from any form of discrimination or harassment.
Equal opportunities and equal rights are fundamental principles of the DMV.
Discrimination or preferential treatment on the basis of gender, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, descent, racism, national or ethnic origin, language, faith, religious beliefs, age, marital status or appearance is prohibited. Discrimination on the basis of disability or chronic illness is prohibited.
The DMV promotes the actual implementation of equal rights for women and men and works towards the elimination of existing disadvantages. “
Resolution of the DMV Executive Committee of May 8, 2021 (https://doi.org/10.1515/dmvm-2021-0037)