The Gender Accountability Gap: How Neoliberal Universities Perpetuate Inequality
"Unmasking the hidden biases in academia and exploring the possibilities for true relational ethics."
For decades, gender inequality in academia has been a persistent issue, often linked to the rise of neoliberal management practices. New Public Management (NPM) has inadvertently created environments where traditional biases are amplified, hindering the progress of women in higher education. This system, driven by market logic, individualism, and competition, often favors masculine norms, making it difficult for women to thrive.
Existing research highlights women's struggle to align with hegemonic academic norms. The pressure to embody masculine traits like individualism and competitiveness places immense strain on female academics. This not only undermines values such as collegiality and collaboration but also demands an 'elastic self'—a chameleon-like adaptability to balance work and life, often at a personal cost.
However, this perspective often overlooks the relational aspect of gendered subjectivities. Drawing on the work of Judith Butler, this article delves into how gendered moral subjects are produced through accountability in neoliberal universities. It examines how these relations, often structured along heterosexual norms, create distinct challenges and possibilities for consent and resistance. By understanding these dynamics, we can begin to address the systemic inequalities that persist in academia.
The Double-Edged Sword of Neoliberal Governance
Neoliberal governance functions as a double-edged sword, simultaneously creating an increasingly accountable academic subjectivity while also restricting the ability to form a genuinely responsive female subjectivity. The emphasis on institutional accountability requires academics to prioritize institutional demands, often at the expense of relational ethics and personal well-being.
- Individualism and Competition: The promotion of individual achievement over collaboration undermines collegiality and support networks.
- Market Logic: The pressure to generate revenue and attract funding can distort research priorities and create a competitive environment.
- Elastic Selves: The demand to balance multiple responsibilities leads to constant pressure and a struggle to meet conflicting expectations.
Toward a Relational Ethics in Academia
The findings underscore the need to move beyond individualistic understandings of agency and resistance, recognizing that true change requires a fundamental shift in the ethical framework of academia. By embracing relational ethics, universities can create spaces where generosity, openness, and vulnerability are valued, fostering a more equitable and supportive environment for all academics. Only through such transformation can we hope to dismantle the gender accountability gap and build a truly inclusive academic community.