The experience of women academics at a South African University

Abstract

This article focuses on the experiences of women academics at a South African university, historically an enclave of male domination. The study employed an interpretative research methodology and utilised in-depth, semi-structured interviews as data collection method. The constant comparative method of data analysis was used to construct categories that captured recurring themes and patterns. The findings of this research denote both positive and negative experiences of women academics at the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU). Positives include the lessening of visible, overt discrimination and the advantage of flexible working hours. Negative experiences include the double workload of women academics, their ambivalent feelings about academia and its impact on their reactions and behaviour. The article concludes with a number of possible recommendations for all role-players in the academic arena.