Fringe heroines: situated struggles of women scientists in Brazilian agriculture

Feminist scholarship regards the Western scientific revolution and twentieth-century agricultural modernization as patriarchal endeavors technoscientific regimes entangled in societal interests politics. In this article, I engage with these perspectives by focusing on women scientists working Brazil’s leading sciences organization, Embrapa. My analysis draws life history interviews three women, juxtaposing their personal career trajectories of which is a symbol triumph science over nature. Besides filling gaps male-dominated history, women’s accounts reveal what argue to be feminist struggles for more equitable pluralistic practices. refer them “fringe heroines” they adopt research agendas that are at odds prevailing paradigm often find themselves subject condescending attitudes discrimination. These fringe heroines experienced short-lived moment limelight during period progressive politics Brazil. However, confronted less favorable context Bolsonaro era, have taken step back but maintained resolve swim against tide unyielding quest justice diversity respect knowledge production. The time ripe reflecting place situated knowledges past, present, future Brazilian sciences.