His, Hers, and Ours: Gendered Roles and Resources in Academic Departments

• In Event: 31.038 - Gendering the Academy

Abstract

This paper presents findings from a study of gender and faculty members’ departmental networks. Findings from the analysis of network survey data and interview data suggest that participants held gendered expectations of collegial support. Nineteen faculty members in two academic departments provided detailed information about whom they interacted with and for what purposes. Gender was salient for women in ways that did not shape the experiences of their male counterparts. Findings suggest that faculty members’ relationships with their colleagues may be shaped by the gender-based assumptions and behaviors of their male and female colleagues. These differences across gender led to different networks of relationships, which participants used to obtain different resources that were important for their career success.

Author

• Meghan Pifer, Widener University