Abstract
Violence against women is a global public health problem. The aim of this study is to gain an increased understanding of the relationship between gender inequality and violence against women. The research design investigates the experiences of gender inequality by Australian Heads of Social Work in higher education providers. In 2024, a mixed methods exploratory research design was adopted using an online survey to gain a more nuanced understanding of the under-researched topic of the workplace experiences of gender inequality of senior women in higher education. Thematic data analysis grouped the findings under the four main areas of: (1) stereotypes that reinforce male dominance, (2) masculine peer culture, (3) condoning gender inequality, and (4) male dominated decision-making. The findings revealed that most incidents of gender inequality experienced were psychological and cultural and not visible to others. This resulted in detrimental impacts on physical and mental health wellbeing, motivation and workplace performance.
Presenters
Jennifer MartinProfessor of Social Work and Human Services, Future Regions Research Centre I Society and Heritage Stream Leader, Federation University Australia, Victoria, Australia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
GENDER INEQUALITY, SENIOR WOMEN, HIGHER EDUCATION, VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
