Gendered employment in public universities: the influence of neo-liberal reforms and union policies in the case of Iceland

Abstract

Iceland is considered to be at the forefront of gender equality. However, when gender equality goals are challenged by other agendas, such as the neo-liberal project, the latter overrides. Recent reforms in higher education in Iceland are in line with international trends with extensive use of performance indicators influencing the allocation of resources. This chapter addresses how neo-liberal reforms and union policies have shaped the management structure and employment in public universities in Iceland. A complex interplay between neo-liberal ideas and particular economic and labour market conditions in Iceland have shaped a system with gender consequences. It maintains gender biases and certain forms of masculinity manifested in the advantage of the male-dominated and ‘masculine’ positions and fields. By not being able to prioritise gender equality and equity issues over political agenda, we conclude that universities in Iceland are entangled in the ‘gender equality paradox’.