Gender and the legal academy

Abstract

Abstract This Foreword examines what we describe as a “gender gap” in the legal academy. The gap can be seen most clearly in the significantly lower proportion of tenured women faculty members than of men faculty members in most parts of the world, but it is evident in many other aspects too, including the fact that women in academia are often clustered in a “pink ghetto” with lower pay, status, and job security. We begin by outlining the nature of the academic gender gap and some of the obstacles to its removal or reduction, before considering the reasons this gap should be a matter for concern. Two kinds of reasons for such concern are offered: consequences-based and justice-based. The Foreword concludes by suggesting a number of ways in which the gender gap might be addressed, arguing for attention to be paid to the risk of pursuing apparent solutions which may have the effect of entrenching or exacerbating aspects of the problem. Ultimately, we argue that what is needed is not just a larger proportion of women in law schools, but a more just and feminist legal academy along multiple intersecting dimensions.