The Male European "Norm"

Londa Schiebinger's article, "Theories of Gender and Race" explored the problematic characteristics of anthropological study during the period of the Enlightenment. One of the fundamental attributes of this anthropology was its ethnocentrism. European males were studied most thoroughly, and were considered the "norm." Both women and non-European males were studied, but the findings were always presented in comparison to this "norm." Furthermore, these minorities were never studied as extensively. Schiebinger describes this practice as being marked by both "scientific racism" and "scientific sexism."
I found the nature of the studies conducted to be extremely problematic. From what I know of modern theories in anthropology, the findings of the 1800s seemed like generalizations arrived at based upon very little factual evidence. I think it is a reflection of who was allowed to have a say in academia and science at the time, as it was obviously biased towards the white male. While I believe that society has improved from this point, I think that this bias is still present in our society. It has somehow remained in our culture in a way that privileges white males.