Problematising Excellence as a Legitimating Discourse

Abstract

Excellence is the legitimating discourse for the existence and perpetuation of gender inequality. This chapter uses a multi-method approach to problematise this legitimating construct of excellence in higher education institutions (HEIs). Through an analysis of policy documents in the UK HE sector and in one case study university in relation to recruitment/advancement, excellence is presented as an unproblematic, tautologically vacuous term. The chapter argues that informal power as reflected in micropolitical practices therefore becomes important. Drawing on qualitative data from an Irish case study, four types of micropolitical practices are discussed: procedural subversion; gendered devaluation and stereotypes; sponsorship and local fit. Given HEIs are hierarchically male dominated and homosocial, all of these are likely to disadvantage women.