Space Defenders: Power and Privilege for Women in Positions of K–12 Leadership

• In Event: Women as K–12 Leaders

Abstract

We examine women’s experiences within K-12 educational leadership in the U.S. through a feminist lens—ala Sara Ahmed. Our analysis of the experiences of these leaders revealed that challenges such as imposter syndrome, gendered microaggressions, and differential expectations based on gender remained the norm. We thus sought to reframe our analysis in order to examine the institutional factors that contribute to this lack of progress. We argue that institutions serve as metaphorical Foucauldian panopticons where women self-police, and police each other, in order to better conform to traditional gendered expectations, or find relative success within these institutions; those who do not are punished for non-compliance. We provide Ahmedian guidance for feminists to become space defenders within their respective institutions.

Authors

• Jennifer L. Martin, University of Illinois at Springfield

• Liz Chase, St. John's University