We ran the simulation over 20 promotion cycles. We found that on average it was about 87% men at the top level. Over time, these behaviors compound and allow ant colonies to solve difficult problems like finding the best foraging route or avoiding traffic jams. These ants are not directed by an ant overlord. They are merely engaging with one another according to basic rules. And so we are behaving in exactly the same way the ants are.
Jessica Nordell—science and cultural journalist—explores ways of changing pernicious thought patterns to eliminate unconscious bias for a more just world.