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Gendered Micropolitics in Academic Work Environments: Uncovering Microaggressions during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Mónica Lopes

    (Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra, 3000-995 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Virgínia Ferreira

    (Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra, 3000-995 Coimbra, Portugal
    Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, 3004-512 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Caynnã Santos

    (Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra, 3000-995 Coimbra, Portugal)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased attention to the existing gender asymmetries in academia, which have been extensively studied in the literature. Using the analytical lens of “gendered academic citizenship”, this paper takes a micropolitical perspective to examine how the pandemic has impacted the dynamics of academic work, specifically focusing on the often-overlooked aspect of everyday interactions in the work environment. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis of survey data collected from 1750 lecturers and researchers in Portuguese higher education and research institutions, the study uncovers that women, especially those who are younger, single, have specific caregiving responsibilities, and are in the early stages of their careers, were more vulnerable to experiencing “everyday” microaggressions such as silencing, exclusion, belittlement, being ignored, lack of validation, and invisibility compared to men during the pandemic. These findings suggest that, while the marginalization of women in academia is a longstanding issue, the virtual work model has created a platform for the expression of subtle forms of disempowerment and discrimination against women. These dynamics are perpetuated within the micropolitics of organizations, shaping subjective feelings of belonging and circulating differential levels of recognition within academic institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Mónica Lopes & Virgínia Ferreira & Caynnã Santos, 2023. "Gendered Micropolitics in Academic Work Environments: Uncovering Microaggressions during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-22, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:12:y:2023:i:8:p:443-:d:1210989
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    References listed on IDEAS

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