Contentious Authorship
Scene Summary and Themes
This scene delves into graduate student expectations regarding the authorship of scientific papers, and the issue of competition between peers. It also explores the wellbeing of women of colour (WOC) in academic environments. Erika, a graduate student, argues with Markus, her senior colleague, about the significance of her contribution to a recent manuscript, and her desire to be recognized as a co-author. Sandra, their supervisor, intervenes to diffuse tension between the two graduate students.
Note on scene options: We offer a choice between two alternate endings which present two different strategies taken by Sandra to manage the conflict. Depending on the goals and make-up of the group, you may wish to only share one ending or share both endings. Sharing one ending at a time with discussion in between can generate interesting discussion comparing the two endings.
CW // possible depictions of sexism, racism
Characters:
- Erika – graduate student
- Markus – senior graduate student
- Sandra – Erika and Markus’ supervisor
- Jaspreet – Paper co-author (not seen)
Core themes for discussion:
- Gender/race dynamics
- Unequal distribution of labour
- Unpaid/unvalued labour
- Possible staff role
- Institutional factors contributing to or alleviating these issues
- Conception of knowledge production and ownership
- Publish or perish academic norms
- Inequitable practices in publication
- Peer relationships
Scene:
Ending One:
