Abstract
This article examines persistent gender inequalities in academic career progression across European universities, focusing on the structural and cultural mechanisms that contribute to the underrepresentation of women in senior academic positions. The study draws on data from universities in Romania, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Key Findings
- Women comprise over 50% of doctoral graduates but hold fewer than 25% of full professorships across the studied countries
- The “leaky pipeline” metaphor inadequately captures the complex, non-linear nature of women’s academic careers
- Institutional cultures of “ideal worker” norms disproportionately disadvantage academics with caring responsibilities
- Networking and mentorship patterns reproduce existing gender hierarchies
Methodology
The study employs a mixed-methods approach combining statistical analysis of gender-disaggregated career data from 15 universities with in-depth interviews with 40 women academics at different career stages.
Implications
The findings highlight the need for systemic institutional reforms that address both formal barriers and informal cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequality in academia. The article provides evidence-based recommendations for equality policies in European higher education.
