Inequality in Academia: The Way Social Connections Work

Abstract

This chapter investigates inequality in academia in relation to the gendered nature of early career academics’ participation in conferences in Russia by looking at the application process; who applies; and, crucially, who is chosen to attend and present their work. Gewinner argues that scholarly discussion on inequality and discrimination in academia often involves two closely-related issues: gender inequality/discrimination and the problem of wage inequality/discrimination. Shifting the discussion to wage inequalities, Gewinner states that recent studies have paid little attention to the inequality faced by early-career female academics regarding their participation in scientific events, such as conferences, as a source of occupational advancement and access to social networks. Gewinner poses two questions: (1) Are young female members of academia likely to be excluded from scientific events such as workshops and conferences? (2) What are the driving forces behind and mechanisms of exclusion employed by the gatekeepers? Data from a research project conducted in Russia, using a gendered approach to analysis, is used to present a compelling case for the need for early career female academics to actively pursue and participate in scholarly events which expose their work and enhance their networking opportunities.