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Caught between difference and similarity: the case of women academics

Fiona Wilson (School of Business and Management, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK)

Women in Management Review

ISSN: 0964-9425

Article publication date: 1 June 2005

1739

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how women perceive the assumption that they are receiving different and unequal treatment in appraisal in two British universities. The research literature has argued that men and women appear to have learned that women are different and not equal in organizations. The theorists have debated the issues of difference or sameness and equality at some length but as yet empirical investigation has not looked at what women themselves have learned and how they may, or may not, see themselves as different and not equal.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews from two universities were used.

Findings

The findings show that, while the women do not necessarily see themselves as being seen to be different, men see them as having different and inferior qualities. Women are seen as “other” when measured against the standards and norms set by men.

Originality/value

Linkages are made to the work of de Beauvoir, Foucault and Irigaray.

Keywords

Citation

Wilson, F. (2005), "Caught between difference and similarity: the case of women academics", Women in Management Review, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 234-248. https://doi.org/10.1108/09649420510599061

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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