ABSTRACT
This chapter is an analysis of the experiences of a sample group of women academics in English universities. They were interviewed for a piece of research, the central task of which was to identify factors inhibiting the academic careers of women in universities. The perceptions and explanations of individual women who, in terms of rank and status, were successful, were used as case studies. The purpose was to hear and compare individual women’s perceptions of their own experiences, identifying those factors which most influenced or affected them and to relate these to policies designed to enhance equality of opportunity. Findings indicate that while, for the most part, practices and procedures in universities do not actively discriminate against women, the acceptance and currency of particular values and beliefs makes it difficult for women to succeed, despite the existence of formal policies to redress inequalities. It is likely that the dominant culture of universities has been ‘important in both differentiating men and women and providing men with more credentials. The forms of closure against women are usually more subtle because of the explicit discourse of meritous achievement’ (Walby, 1989, p. 227).
