Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Gender Studies and Sexuality, 2024
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Academic Motherhood in Nigeria: Career Trajectories and Experiences of Nigerian Women in Higher Education Institutions
Mary Oluwatobiloba Odetoyinbo
ABSTRACT:
The discourse on gender in higher education professions has shed light on numerous intricate challenges that impede women’s advancement, relative to their male counterparts. However, it has not delved comprehensively into how women’s encounters with gender-specific norms, particularly those linked to maternity and motherhood, intersect with the workplace’s normative structure and how women navigate this complexity in their career paths. Building on Acker’s Gendered Organisation framework, this study adopts a qualitative research approach to investigate the experiences of motherhood among female academics in Nigeria. Additionally, the research aims to explore women’s perceptions regarding traditional gender roles and societal expectations of motherhood, examining their impact on the career prospects of women as mothers within academia. This exploration of the real-life experiences and career trajectories of mothers in the academic sphere aims to generate new insights into the socio-cultural expectations and perceptions that perpetuate gender inequality and bias in career advancement. Practically, the findings seek to assist academia, serving as a professional work environment, in making necessary adjustments to accommodate maternal identities. It aims to ensure that women do not face disadvantages due to the expectations and responsibilities associated with motherhood and caregiving roles. Ultimately, this research endeavours to contribute towards fostering a more equitable and supportive environment for women in academia.
keywords: Gender; Equality; Mothering; Roles; Work