Reflecting Upon PG Supervision in Higher Education

Abstract

Gender as a concept encompasses “culturally-determined cognitions, attitudes, and belief systems about females and males; [it] varies across cultures, changes through historical time, and differs in terms of who makes the observations and judgments. The purpose of the present study is to examine postgraduate supervision in higher education in relation to gender discrimination. The applied methodology is a critical discussion via reflection upon personal experience and literature review. The supervisory relationship is an incredibly important one in the personal and professional development of supervisees. In relation to gender, it is crucial that supervisors use the relationship as an opportunity to educate, confront, and model. This requires a special level of awareness of self and society. Challenging our own biases, prejudices, and issues is one of the most critical parts of the process.