The Interplay of Power, Incentives, Academic Freedom, and Gender Equity

Abstract:

Academic freedom is crucial to not only teaching and research but also the shared governance of our educational institutions, and it is granted and protected by tenure. Therefore, gender inequality in the attainment of tenure reproduces the embedded power hierarchy in academia, perpetuating gender disparities for female scholars. Misinformation and disinformation in academic evaluations—shifting standards, the use of invalid metrics, and the lack of outside regulation and oversight—inhibit gender equity and obstruct academic freedom. This article explores the intersection of how power, adverse incentives, and gender bias combine to perpetuate gender inequity in our institutions. It presents recommendations to help rectify the problem.

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