Understanding Precarity Through the Lens of the Privileged: Professorial Perceptions of Academic Careers

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Nine
  In Roundtable Session: Precarious Terrain: Burnout Prevention and Faculty Well-Being (Table 1)

Abstract

The decoupling of teaching and research (Götze & Schneijderberg, 2022) and increase in short-term project funding (OECD, 2021) has led to corresponding increase in short-term, part-time, teaching-based contracts (Karram Stephenson et al., 2020). This study investigates whether professors perceive academia as a desirable field for starting a career. Based on quantitative data taken from the international APIKS survey between 2018-21, we compare results from Canada and Austria. Applying logistic regression models, we address factors influencing professors’ perception of academia. Results show professors from less privileged backgrounds are more likely to perceive academia as undesirable for emerging scholars to start a career. Level of satisfaction and belonging contributed significantly to professors’ perception of precarity.

Authors

• Alison E. Jefferson, Peter Lang Publishing
  Presenting Author

• Corinna Geppert, University for Continuing Education Krems
  Presenting Author

• Franziska Lessky, University of Innsbruck
  Presenting Author