Science is idealized as a perfectly neutral and objective field that provides unbiased answers to the questions posed by society. However, science is not free from contextual influence. This means that the person who conducts the science and the context in which the science is done affect the science. The study of metaphors linking women and nature clearly shows that the rise of the new science, particularly science "proving" women's inferiority, encouraged both the subjugation of women and the exploitation of nature. To begin with, the metaphors linking women and nature changed from encouraging respect and harmony, to encouraging control and exploitation of women and nature. Today, many people still view nature as feminine. People often call the earth “mother earth” and nature “mother nature”. This kind of nature is nothing new; nature has always been gendered as feminine. However, the effect of this mentality has changed as the metaphors linking women to nature have changed. Historically, metaphors referring to nature as a mother figure implied that nature should be respected (as one would respect one's mother) and encouraged a harmonious relationship with nature. The scientific revolution brought about a change in the way humanity perceived nature. This new vision was a mechanical vision that suggested that nature was not a living organism (like mother nature), but a machine composed of many parts that can be fully understood, controlled, and ultimately harnessed to meet the needs of humanity . This new idea that humanity can understand and control nature coincided with the shift in metaphors. Instead of depicting nature as a peaceful mother providing for the needs of humanity, metaphors now depict it as something wild... middle of paper ......ence. This demonstrates the sensitivity of science to cultural influence and shows that science often reflects the beliefs and agendas of its conductors. Works Cited Blau, Francine D. and Lawrence M. Kahn. “The gender pay gap: have women gone as far as they can?” » 843. Internet. April 7, 2014.Bowler, Peter J. and Iwan Rhys Morus. Making science modern: a historical investigation. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2005. 496-503. Print.Harding, Sandra. Who owns science? Who owns the knowledge? Thinking from the lives of women. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1991. 43. Web.Merchant, Carolyn. The death of nature: women, ecology and the scientific revolution. San Francisco: Harper, 1980. 270. Print.Richardson, Elmo R. "The Fight for the Valley: The Hetch Hetchy Controversy in California, 1905-1913." California Historical Society Quarterly. 38.3 (1959): 249-258. Internet. April 7. 2014.