Women mathematicians in France in the mid-twentieth century

TL;DR

This paper explores the careers of five pioneering women mathematicians in France before 1960 and examines the broader context of women's roles in French mathematics from 1930 to 1960.

Contribution

It provides a detailed historical account of five women mathematicians' careers and analyzes the societal and institutional factors affecting women in French mathematics during that period.

Findings

Five women mathematicians completed doctorates before 1960 and gained international recognition.

Women faced significant societal and institutional barriers in French mathematics between 1930 and 1960.

Women’s contributions were recognized but their careers were often limited by gender biases.

Abstract

An account of the careers of the five women who completed a doctorate in mathematics in France before 1960 and became internationally known scientists, followed by a more general description of the place of women on the mathematical scene in France between 1930 and 1960.