Gen Z Ecologist Dr. Juliet Turner Faces Sexist Backlash Online

UPDATE: A newly minted doctor is making headlines and sparking controversy after receiving a flood of sexist responses to her Ph.D. announcement on social media. Dr. Juliet Turner, a 27-year-old ecologist who recently earned her Ph.D. from the University of Oxford, shared her achievement on November 14, 2023, only to be met with a barrage of misogynistic comments.

Turner, who completed her thesis on the evolution of cooperation in insects, celebrated her success with a post that read: “I passed my viva exam! After ~4 years of research, I successfully defended my thesis. You can call me Doctor.” The post quickly garnered over 51,000 likes but also attracted a shocking wave of negative reactions from online trolls.

Despite the academic world celebrating her achievement, some men took to social media to belittle Turner, questioning her life choices and suggesting she was a failure for prioritizing academia over motherhood. One comment from a male user read: “You’re 30 years old with no husband or kids—genetic dead end in an unbroken line of succession,” despite Turner being only 27.

Turner expressed her disbelief at the scale of the backlash, stating, “I never expected this response. Every time I open the app, I’m flooded by new posts of strangers weighing in on either the validity of my thesis topic or my personal life choices.” She added that while the negative comments were difficult to process, the support from others has been uplifting.

In a world where women in academia often face scrutiny for their life decisions, Turner noted that the notion that pursuing a Ph.D. equates to a lack of family planning is a misguided stereotype. “I come from an academic family myself, so I’m living proof that academics are capable of self-replication!” she remarked.

The incident highlights a broader issue as reports indicate an alarming rise in misogynistic content online. A recent survey from Amnesty International found that 73 percent of Gen Z users in the U.K. have witnessed misogynistic content online, with many believing that such language has increased across platforms, particularly on TikTok and Instagram.

While Turner has not faced direct discrimination in her academic career, she acknowledged the challenges women in STEM fields encounter, particularly regarding perceptions of their professional credibility and personal choices. She stated, “It’s a hard line to walk because you want to show that you are capable, but many interpret your conviction as conceitedness.”

Now working as a pollinator ecologist, Turner is excited about engaging in hands-on research after years of theoretical work. She is involved in applied conservation projects focusing on organic and regenerative farming in the U.K., while still eager to communicate science to the public.

As this story continues to develop, the conversation around the treatment of women in academia remains urgent. Turner’s experience sheds light on the need for a cultural shift in how society perceives women’s achievements in education and their personal choices.

Stay tuned for updates on this compelling story as it resonates with ongoing discussions about gender equality and respect in academic circles.