The influence of gender in academia: a case study of a university college in Sweden

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to describe senior lecturers' experiences of and reflections on the influence of gender on their work and career possibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight informants, four female and four male university teachers, representing different schools at a Swedish university college were interviewed. A qualitative content method was used for analysis.

Findings

The findings revealed that the lecturers at the university college had an experience of academic gender neutrality. The findings also pointed to experiences of gendered practice that had been internalized and made normal. It also revealed that the lecturers did not consider or reflect on the gap between experiences of and reflections on gender neutrality and gendered practice.

Research limitations/implications

Even if the number of informants is small, the findings have something important to tell about the gap between gender‐neutral academia and practice in academia.

Originality/value

The findings imply that although the Swedish model of equality work has been successful in many ways, a confrontation on the micro‐political level is required to achieve a gender equality workplace environment and to increase women's career possibilities.

Citation

Määttä, S. and Dahlborg Lyckhage, E. (2011), "The influence of gender in academia: a case study of a university college in Sweden", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 30 No. 5, pp. 379-393. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610151111150636