Um estudo histórico da mulher na matemática: um diálogo sobre contribuições e desafios

Abstract

The topic addressed in this work refers to the participation of women in the construction of mathematics. The main objective of this work is to make a historical analysis presenting the contribution of women to the construction and evolution of mathematics. This study has a descriptive and exploratory character, with a qualitative approach, situated in the context of bibliographical research. According to the theoretical framework studied, it was found that women played a decisive role in the evolution of mathematics as a science in different times and regions of the world, including: Acádia da Enheduanna, Hypatia de Alexandria, Rosvita de Gandersheim, Maria Gaetana Agnesi, Sophie Germain, Mary Somerville and Emmy Noether. Briefly, it was noted the need to expand this knowledge, especially to the female audience, as a motivational factor for a greater female presence in mathematics. The bibliographical study carried out indicated that women contributed much more than is known and explored in classrooms, since, historically, their role in mathematics has been relegated by a patriarchal society. The results of this work indicate that in relation to the female presence in mathematics, there have been advances in some aspects, such as, for example, the increase in the number of female students in undergraduate courses in mathematics, while other points need to be further debated, such as for example, the little knowledge and dissemination of relevant work produced by women in mathematics and the thought that mathematics is a predominantly male discipline. It was noticed that, although most of the interviewees did not allude to the great achievements of women in Mathematics, mention was made of Mathematics teachers who played a fundamental role in their school life. This suggests that the figure of women as teachers can have a great impact on the enrollment of more women in undergraduate courses in Mathematics.