Caring for our graduate academy

Abstract

This article examines the neglected hardships faced by graduate students and advocates for a paradigm shift towards care and empathy. Drawing upon a feminist ethic of care theoretical framework, four scholars from tourism and hospitality programs in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom engaged in a dialogical and introspective inquiry. The authors present four vignettes reflecting on their own doctoral experiences, revealing experiences of exploitation, pain, unworthiness, and loneliness endured during their graduate studies. The authors conclude by calling for a reevaluation of academic norms, advocating for a more humane, caring, and supportive environment for future scholars.