Abstract
M.Ed.
The focus of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of
women academics in a male-dominated environment, at a South African university.
This report moves from the contention that the original classification of the academic
world as a `man's world' still holds true for present day women academics and argues
that the only way in which women's experiences in academia can be validated is
through an in-depth documentation and analysis hereof.
The essay begins by examining the patriarchal origins of the academic world and then
claims that these origins have an impact on the power relations, structure, organisation
and procedures within the university. A qualitative research design was used to
explore the experiences of women academics in male dominated environment. Indepth,
semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of ten academics,
from the level of senior professor to that of junior lecturer. The constant comparative
method of data analysis was used to search for recurring themes and patterns.
This study revealed that the experiences of women academics at a South African
institution of higher education, an institution traditionally dominated by men, to be
similar to that of women academics in other parts of the world. The findings of this
research essay illustrate that the women academics at the Rand Afrikaans University
identify both positive and negative aspects to their positions as women academics.
Positive aspects include the lessening of visible, overt discrimination and the
advantage of flexible working hours. Some of the negative experiences include the
double workload of women academics, their ambivalent feelings about academia and
the impact of operating in a `man's world' on their reactions and behaviour. The study
also highlights the importance of personal and professional support structures for
women academics.
The essay concludes with a number of possible recommendations, which includes
staff development activities especially in the arena of training for gender sensitivity
for all role-players in the academic arena.