My Life with the Chimpanzees

Jane Goodall’s approach to studying chimpanzees was a radical departure from the norm. Many researchers conducted studies in controlled environments rather than the animals’ natural habitats, often subjecting animals to tests and experiments. Instead, she immersed herself in their environments. While other ethologists also took this immersive approach, Goodall deviated from the norm by naming her research subjects rather than simply referring to them by numbers, which was an almost universal standard. This methodology challenged the prevailing scientific norms that prioritized detachment and supposed objectivity, allowing her to observe the chimpanzee’s natural behaviors more intimately and build personal connections with them. Instead of viewing the animals as mere subjects for study, she saw them as sentient beings with their own emotions and social lives. While many of her peers criticized her approach (and there is still some debate among practices like feeding wild animals in the ethology field), Goodall’s methods were a proven success. In building trust with the chimpanzees she studied, she observed things that no other researcher had, such as social structures and tool use.

Goodall began working in the 1960s, during a time when field research was dominated by men, making her achievements a significant milestone for women in the sciences. While formal restrictions barring women from studying in certain universities or disciplines were largely gone by this time, a lack of legal protection for women in education and the workplace meant that women faced obstacles like harassment, discrimination, and exclusion. A survey of scientific papers published since the 1940s highlights this gender disparity; only 14% of papers published in the 1960s were written by women, in comparison with about 35% today (Huang, Junming, et al, “Historical comparison of gender inequality in scientific careers across countries and disciplines.” PNAS, 18 Feb. 2020). Dismissive attitudes toward female scientists can be seen in My Life with the Chimpanzees, from Goodall’s peers’ dismissal of her methods to the assertion that a young woman could not safely conduct research on her own. Dr. Leakey’s endorsement of Goodall was, therefore, not only personally meaningful for her but provided a degree of protection against those who would dismiss her project simply because she was a woman.

In turn, Goodall demonstrates her concern for the next generation and carves out pathways for young women scientists and changemakers. This includes the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots program, which promote education for young women and girls alongside its environmental research work.