Seeking Faculty Jobs: Exploring the Relationship Between Social Class of Origin and Hiring Networks in Chilean Academia

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Division J Poster Session: Faculty, Curriculum, and Teaching 2

Abstract

Based on a qualitative case study, this article explores how Chilean early-career doctorate holders in engineering find positions as assistant professors, paying special attention to the role of their social class of origin and the use of their networks. Findings show that social class of origin mediates the academic network configuration of faculty-job seekers through unequal opportunities for attending prestigious Chilean undergraduate universities, and subsequently, the unequal opportunities of studying for a doctorate degree at top-ranked foreign universities. Yet, findings also show that these conditions – upper class and foreign PhD credentials – do not guarantee a faculty position, unless faculty job seekers have ties with professors who were involved in hiring decisions and/or candidates demonstrate exceptional research productivity.

Author

• Roxana Chiappa, UNIVERSIDAD DE TARAPACA