Murder of Crones

E13 The Matilda Effect, As If!


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This week we discuss the disturbingly frequent occurrence of men taking credit for women’s academic, scientific, and entrepreneurial work. It’s so common, in fact, that the phenomenon has a name : The Matilda Effect. Join us as we explore this topic and look at some of the notable women who have had their work stolen. Let’s give credit back to these amazing inventors and creators. 

 

Show Notes

Key Topics:

  • Women in science and art who were erased or underrecognized
  • The Matilda effect and gender bias in history
  • Stories of women like Hedy Lamarr, Mary Curie, and Artemisia Gentileschi
  • The importance of acknowledging women's contributions to science and culture
  • Chapters:

    00:00 Trolls and Feedback: Embracing Criticism

    00:12 The Matilda Effect: Women in Science

    04:47 Introduction to the Podcast Theme

    04:58 Introduction and Light Banter

    05:08 Historical Context and Examples of the Matilda Effect

    07:56 The Matilda Effect and Historical Erasure

    10:01 Women in Science: Unrecognized Contributions

    12:50 The Legacy of Muleva Maric

    15:41 Hollywood's Role in Highlighting Women's Contributions

    17:19 Hedy Lamarr: Beauty and Brilliance

    20:29 The Underappreciation of Women in History

    23:04 The Impact of Role Models on Women in STEM

    25:46 Artistic Contributions of Women: Artemisia Gentileschi

    28:17 The Struggles of Female Artists and Writers

    31:10 The Fight for Recognition and Credit

    34:08 The Legacy of Women in Arts and Literature

    44:36 Introduction and Context of the Conversation

    44:51 The Impact of Social Media and Audience Engagement

    47:27 Celebrating Women in Journalism: Nellie Bly

    50:24 Athletic Achievements and Gender Inequality: Allison Felix

    52:14 Historical Erasure and the Matilda Effect

    55:06 The Role of Men in Feminism and Acknowledgment of Contributions

     

    References:

    Abrahams, Harold Maurice. “Allyson Felix | Medals, Olympics, Biography, Nike, & Facts.” Britannica, 10 January 2026, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Allyson-Felix. Accessed 9 February 2026.

    Cobb, Mathew, and Nathaniel Comfort. “What Rosalind Franklin Truly Contributed to the Discovery of DNA's Structure.” Nature, Springer Nature, 25 4 2023, https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01313-5.

    Gage, Matilda Joslyn. “Woman as an Inventor.” Ester Lianawati, Northern University of Iowa, 17 October 2019, https://esterlianawati.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/woman-as-inventor.pdf. Accessed 31 January 2026.

    Gage, Matilda Joslyn. “Woman as Inventor.” Collection Development Department, New York, Harvard Library, 1870, Persistent Link https://nrs.lib.harvard.edu/urn-3:fhcl:453551 Description Gage, Matilda Joslyn. Woman as inventor. [New York State?: s.n.], 1870. Repository Collection Development Department. Widener Library. HCL Institution Harvard University Accessed 01 .

    Gagnon, Pauline. “The Forgotten Life of Einstein’s First Wife, Mileva Marić.” Scientific American, 19 December 2016, https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/guest-blog/the-forgotten-life-of-einsteins-first-wife/. Accessed 1 February 2026.

    Kaplan, Judith. “Francis Crick, Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, and Maurice Wilkins.” Science History Institute, 8 September 2025, https://www.sciencehistory.org/education/scientific-biographies/francis-crick-rosalind-franklin-james-watson-and-maurice-wilkins/. Accessed 31 January 2026.

    Krichbaum, Emily. “Alice Ball.” National Women's History Museum, https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/alice-ball.

    Kuiper, Kathleen, and Jennifer Birkett. “Colette | French Writer & Feminist Icon.” Britannica, 24 January 2026, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Colette. Accessed 10 February 2026.

    Lamm, Lisa. “The Matilda Effect: How Women Are Becoming Invisible in Science.” Lost Women of Science, 10 February 2023, https://www.lostwomenofscience.org/news-events/the-matilda-effect-how-women-are-becoming-invisible-in-science. Accessed 31 January 2026.

    Lee, Jane J. “6 Women Scientists Who Were Snubbed Due to Sexism.” National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 19 May 2013.

    Light, Jennifer S. “The Role of Women in Early Computing: Pioneers Who Shaped the Digital Age.” pcfly.info, Technology and Culture, https://pcfly.info/doc/Computers/18.pdf.

    “Matilda effect.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matilda_effect. Accessed 31 January 2026.

    “Nellie Bly | Biography & Around the World in Seventy-two Days.” Britannica, 23 January 2026, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nellie-Bly. Accessed 9 February 2026.

    Stevens, Nettie. “Nettie Stevens.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nettie_Stevens. Accessed 31 January 2026.

    Tsaleza, Anastasia. “Women Artists' Works Misattributed to Men.” DailyArt Magazine, 29 December 2025, https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/women-artists-works-misattributed/. Accessed 10 February 2026.

    Contact Information: Find Murder of Crones on You Tube, Tik Tok, Facebook and Instagram. 

     

    Special Thanks to www.dinnissendesign.com for Zabrina’s use of their show room for recording. Check them out for all your interior design needs. Dinnissen Design is located in Vancouver and Castlegar BC. 

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    Murder of CronesBy MofCrones