University of Michigan-Flint

Faculty Name:  Heather Laube

Department:  Sociology/Anthropology/Criminal Justice

Campus Address:  522 French Hall

Email:  hlaube@umflint.edu

Phone:  810-762-3340

Project Description:  In the U.S., women are over 50% of all college students, but are poorly represented among full professors and as college and university presidents.  Over 40 years we have not seen any improvement in the wage gap between women and men faculty.

This project will explore the possibilities and constraints faced by women faculty and administrators in higher education.  It will also examine the gendered dynamics of the interactions between women leaders and their colleagues (including with those junior to them, at similar levels, and their superiors) as well as with those outside the university (when relevant).

Questions that may be explored include: What makes it possible or likely that women will advance through the ranks? How do they behave once they get there? What impact to women in leadership positions have on their particular institutions, higher education, and society more generally? How are networks and mentoring important?

Context and identity categories will also be important. How does this vary across disciplines? Across types of institutions? In different countries/cultures? How do issues of race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and social class come into play?

Semesters Desired:  Fall 2011 AND Winter 2012

GSRA Position Description:  Electronic and library research for relevant academic literature (journal articles, books) and data.

Literature review.

Collection of relevant date (descriptive statistics, trends, etc.)

Specific Day/Time Requirements:  Flexible.

Special Requirements:  Significant experience and comfort with library literature searches and use of the Internet. Ability to identify reliable information. Strong writing and communication skills. Ability to work independently.

Graduate Students in These Programs May Apply:  Education (MA/Ed.S.); Liberal Studies (MLS); Public Administration (MPA); Social Sciences (MA)