A Temporary Solution to the Two-Body Problem: Academic Women's Experiences in Commuting Couples

• In Event: 61.071 - Sheraton Roundtable Session 10 - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 61.071-3 - Gendered Perspectives on Faculty

Abstract

Many academics are in dual-career marriages and navigate the career-related concerns of both partners. In some instances, couples live apart to maximize career opportunities, thus becoming a commuting couple. Past literature suggests that commuting allows both partners to prioritize their careers, but that women are less likely to be the commuting partner and more likely to scale back their careers instead. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of academic women in such an arrangement. Based on interviews with 36 participants, this paper explores the ways that commuting allows participants to address work/family conflict by prioritizing their careers, though simultaneously women noted an uneasiness engaging in such a strategy long-term, due to traditional gender norms.

Author

• Margaret W. Sallee, University at Buffalo - SUNY