Navigating the Academy as Working-Class Women in Non-Tenure Track, Contingent Faculty Positions (Poster 32)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 9:50 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Looking at Factors Affecting Stress and Resilience

Abstract

In this autoethnographic study, three resilient women from the United States and Canada came together to discuss the challenges they faced and continue to face while working as contingent, non-tenure track faculty members. They used the concepts of intersectionality and the framework of community culture to describe various aspects of their lives and their ability to navigate challenging situations. Their experiences reflected the mistreatment they encountered in contingent positions, highlighting the need to raise awareness about how institutionalized systems affect women in non-tenure track positions. People in contingent positions typically lack opportunities, causing oppressive practices to continue. The uncertainty of their positions lead them to feel unsafe, financially insecure, and fearful of being themselves due to the minimal job security.

Authors

• Ramarra Garrett, Eastern Michigan University

• Rachel Radina, Eastern Michigan University

• Rebecca F. Reaume, University of Windsor