Career Advancement and Gender Equity in Academia

Irina Kerimova

doi:10.15549/jeecar.v8i3.593

Abstract

This paper aims at exploring gender equality in career advancement. The literature suggests that family impedes females’ career progression as in Uzbekistan females mostly prioritize child-rearing over career building. However, there is no evidence that single female academics are more successful in their careers than those with families. Meanwhile, males are more likely to have career progression due to the culture-bound domination of men over women. To conduct the research, 76 non-randomly selected academic staff of Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) were surveyed via a questionnaire. The analysis found no statistically significant difference between female and male career advancement. Due to the time constraints as one of the limitations of the study, the research cannot cover a big population to conclude county-wide; notwithstanding, the present research is a steppingstone for further investigation on such a thrilling and up-to-date topic as gender equality

Highlights

This paper aims at exploring gender equality in career advancement
Other evidence shows that having children may indicate women’s responsibility and maturity to become senior staff (White et al,2011; White & Bagilhole, 2013)
The research is vital for the university management to learn whether gender equality in career advancement is predetermined by family-related factors or work-related factors

Summary

Introduction

This paper aims at exploring gender equality in career advancement. The literature suggests that family impedes females’ career progression as in Uzbekistan females mostly prioritize child-rearing over career building. Learning material underpins male’s and female’s stereotypical roles in society (UNESCO, 2008) Such education may, program future employers to favor males above females career-wise. To explore the role of gender in career progression in education, Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) was chosen as a subject of study. The case of WIUT is unique as it has management practices that replicate the values and principles of the most developed countries in Uzbekistan, which is a male-dominated society (Welter et al, 2017) Both genders are welcome in recruitment and selection processes. The research is vital for the university management to learn whether gender equality in career advancement is predetermined by family-related factors (marital status, children) or work-related factors (qualification, work experience). Relevant commentaries might trigger the change(s) in the present job requirement in different positions

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