Academic fathers pursuing tenure: A qualitative study of work-family conflict, coping strategies, and departmental culture.

Abstract

Although past research has emphasized considerable strain and institutional biases for female academics balancing work and family, research on male academics with young children is limited. This qualitative study addressed this void by examining how junior male tenure-track faculty with children negotiated work and family responsibilities. Analysis of in-depth interviews (n!12) revealed three broad, nonoverlapping themes regarding men’s negotiation of their various roles. These themes included (a) tenure and family balance/conflict; (b) coping responses; and (c) attitudes toward policy and work culture. Prototypical quotes are used as illustrations of subthemes found within each of the three general categories. Respondents negotiated their multiple responsibilities by using compartmentalization strategies, significant time management, communicating with spouses and peers at work, and overextending themselves in work and family responsibilities, though with little knowledge or utilization of university policies that could ease their considerable workload and conflicts. The results are discussed within the context of research on men’s work and family lives as well as departmental culture and institutional policies.