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A Critical Theory perspective on the pressures, contradictions and dilemmas faced by entry-level accounting academics

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  • James, Kieran

Abstract

This paper is a study of the accounting academic labour market and workplace conditions. Its particular focus is on the pressures, contradictions and dilemmas experienced by junior (Levels A and B) accounting academics at Australian universities. It is argued that, due to work, personal and family pressures, many junior staff members may struggle to complete their PhD within a prescribed time frame. The reasons for this are discussed, as well as the likely effects. The Marxist concept of “alienation” is explored in detail to explain how a junior staff member's work “product” may take on a life of its own which stands up in opposition to her/him, to accuse her/him. The writings of the first-generation critical theorist, Herbert Marcuse, are used to suggest a radical path forward for the junior staff member. She/he is encouraged to take charge of her/his own destiny from within, value personal relationships, and pursue scholarship for its own sake. Opportunities for resistance are also explored in the paper.

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  • James, Kieran, 2008. "A Critical Theory perspective on the pressures, contradictions and dilemmas faced by entry-level accounting academics," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 19(8), pages 1263-1295.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:crpeac:v:19:y:2008:i:8:p:1263-1295
    DOI: 10.1016/j.cpa.2008.01.008
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    Cited by:

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    2. Kieran James & Chris Tolliday & Rex Walsh, 2011. "Where to now, Melbourne Croatia?," Asian Review of Accounting, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 19(2), pages 112-124, July.
    3. Dillard, Jesse & Vinnari, Eija, 2017. "A case study of critique: Critical perspectives on critical accounting," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 88-109.
    4. Tucker, Basil P. & Tilt, Carol A., 2019. "‘You know it when you see it’: In search of ‘the ideal’ research culture in university accounting faculties," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    5. Morales, Jérémy & Sponem, Samuel, 2017. "You too can have a critical perspective! 25 years of Critical Perspectives on Accounting," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 149-166.
    6. Aleksandra Pop‐Vasileva & Kevin Baird & Bill Blair, 2011. "University corporatisation," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 24(4), pages 408-439, May.
    7. Tweedie, Dale, 2018. "After Habermas: Applying Axel Honneth’s critical theory in accounting research," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 39-55.

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