Researchers from the University of Salford are looking for volunteers to take part in new research that looks into the so-called ‘motherhood penalty’ in women’s careers.
62.6% of professional and support staff in the sector are women but only 44.5% of teaching and research staff are female.
Female professors also make up only 21.7% of the total.
Previous research has identified the decision to have children as a predominant challenge to an academic career.
Now analysts want to talk to women about returning to work after childbirth
‘Motherhood penalty’ is a term coined by sociologists who argue that working mums come up against disadvantages in pay, perceived competence, and benefits, relative to childless women within the workplace.
Investigations will also take place into the concept of the ‘ideal-worker’, which asserts a worker’s clear, relentless commitment to paid work, working long hours and not allowing distractions outside the paid work environment to interfere with his/her job. This includes family, children and other personal facets of life.
Anna Joel, PhD researcher in People Management at the University of Salford, said: “This research is important because it will provide enriching narratives into the experiences of women academics when they return to work after having children.
“The findings will highlight detailed accounts of both positive and negative areas of organisational support, which the HE sector can use to help shape and improve support for academic mothers to reach their full potential.”
If you are a mother who has previously returned to an academic position post-maternity leave, and you are willing to participate in this study please contact: Anna Joel (Email: a.a.joel1@edu.salford.ac.uk, Mobile: 07565279738).
