Unveiling Structural Barriers: Gender Inequality in the Academic Field

The chapter highlights the long-standing problem of gender inequality in academia, which has recently been gaining increased attention. Despite ongoing efforts to effect change, progress has been slow due to deeply entrenched stereotypes that perpetuate male dominance. The pervasive perception of science as a male-dominated domain and the belief in equal opportunities contribute to this problem. The shift from scrutinizing individual women to considering societal and institutional factors has led to significant progress in removing gender barriers in academia. This chapter advocates for significant structural and institutional changes to promote gender equality in academia. Drawing on Joan Acker’s theory of gendered organizations and Bourdieu’s concepts of symbolic power, cultural capital, social capital, and habitus, it explains the mechanisms through which gender inequalities persist. The chapter highlights the complexity of gendered organizations and emphasizes the need for action aimed at both structural and broader cultural change. The proposed changes aim to address ingrained inequalities and promote diversity, inclusion, mentoring, and supportive initiatives for a more equitable academic environment. It concludes by discussing the importance of the European Commission’s Gender Equality Plan as a holistic tool for structural and cultural change and as a proactive instrument focused on implementation and monitoring to ensure sustainable gender equality efforts.