This reader investigates the complex intersection of gender, scientific practice, and technological advancement to determine how social structures influence research outcomes. The authors, a collaborative group of scholars, compile a diverse range of essays and case studies to illustrate the historical and contemporary marginalization of women in STEM fields. By examining the gendering of scientific inquiry, the text argues that objective knowledge is often shaped by the cultural biases of those who produce it.

Scholars and educators frequently identify this text as a foundational resource for undergraduate courses in feminist science studies. The collection is noted for its interdisciplinary approach, which bridges the gap between social theory and hard science applications.