The perils of notional membership during a pandemic

Abstract

Purpose

In this essay, the authors will describe several facets of their experience as women faculty of color in the academy during the pandemic, in order to explore how institutions might think of equity and diversity initiatives during the pandemic time.

Design/methodology/approach

This essay discusses structural, leadership and individual considerations in supporting faculty from diverse backgrounds during the pandemic and beyond, by considering the typical strategies used by faculty of color to maintain active organizational memberships and how the pandemic has shifted those strategies.

Findings

Ultimately, this essay grapples with diversity as an institutional priority during the unique and shifting circumstances of remote work and teaching and research during the pandemic.

Originality/value

This essay provides insight into how institutions who want to maintain diversity progress during and postpandemic must be more thoughtful about the hiring structures, decision-making spaces and overarching missions.

Citation

Dobbs, C.L. and Leider, C.M. (2020), "The perils of notional membership during a pandemic", Journal of Professional Capital and Community, Vol. 5 No. 3/4, pp. 273-280. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPCC-06-2020-0029