How to Read the Snowmass White Papers on Power Dynamics in Physics, Informal Socialization in Physics Training, and Policing and Gatekeeping in STEM

TL;DR

This collection of white papers examines power, socialization, and gatekeeping in physics and STEM, aiming to promote justice and inclusivity in these fields.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of social issues in physics and STEM, offering insights and strategies to address systemic inequalities.

Findings

Identifies key power dynamics affecting physics communities

Highlights informal socialization's role in physics training

Discusses policing and gatekeeping impacts on STEM diversity

Abstract

The Community Engagement Frontier presents this set of three white papers, as part of Snowmass 2021. These papers address critical issues -- Power Dynamics in Physics, Informal Socialization in Physics Training, and Policing and Gatekeeping in STEM -- that make significant impacts on the experiences of the people who work in and learn particle physics. In this introductory document, we present crosscutting concepts that appear in each paper, and some advice on how to manage readers' responses to the contents. We expect that you will learn something new here. We hope that whatever you encounter, you will be energized to increase justice in this discipline we all love.