Is There a Gendered Path to Tenure? Examining the Academic Trajectories of U.S. Doctoral Recipients

• In Event: 52.042 - Minoritized in the Academy

Abstract

Overall, research provides evidence of differential prospects of tenure attainment across male and female Ph.D. holders. This study aligns with the focus on possible gender differences, but relies on the most recent data (2003 to 2013) taken from the NSF Survey of Doctorate Recipients to examine individual, institutional, and early employment factors that contribute to career paths of those who enter postsecondary academic appointments. Although findings showed some noteworthy differences by gender including lower salary and longer time to degree for women, the overall results indicate no strong evidence of a gendered path to tenure during the first decade after degree completion. Implications for policy and planning are discussed.

Authors

• Karen L. Webber, University of Georgia

• Manuel S. Gonzalez Canche, University of Pennsylvania