BEING A WOMAN IN ACADEMIA: RESEARCH IN THE CONTEXT OF CAREER EXPERIENCES

Abstract

have an advantageous position, are subject to various obstacles. Methods: In the research, phenomenological research design – one of the qualitative research methods – was used. The research’s study group consisted of 20 female faculty members, including three research assistants, six teaching assistants, six assistant professors, two associate professors and three professors working in various cities in Turkey. The branches of the participants and the institutions they work vary. The study group was determined by using the snowball sampling method. In this study, a semi-structured interview type was used. As a data collection tool, a semi-structured interview form was prepared by the researcher. Results: After, expert opinions were taken, and final corrections were made and used as a data collection tool. As a result of the research, the obstacles that female academics face in their work lives, the reasons for these obstacles and the coping strategies that female academics have developed to cope with these obstacles have been revealed. Conclusions: The results of the research indicate that even academics, who have a status in society and require a high level of education, are exposed to various career barriers. Therefore, it is possible to say that gender discrimination affects all women regardless of their status and education level, albeit at different levels and forms.