Challenging male homophily and bias in academic research and practice

Authors

  • Keith Smyth University of the Highlands and Islands

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56433/jpaap.v11i1.550

Keywords:

homophily, male bias, gender representation, academia, pragmatic approaches and interventions

Abstract

This opinion piece focuses on the nature of male homophily and bias in academic research, publishing and practice, and how homophilic practices in writing, reviewing and publishing academic research disproportionately advantage the academic work and voices of male academics while disenfranchising those of women within ‘the academy’ and academic institutions. After first briefly considering the nature of male homophily and relevant historical dimensions, attention then turns to the practices that prevail today including the stark realities presented by recent research. Pragmatic responses to tackling male homophily and bias in academic work, cultures and practices are then considered, in areas including the work of journals and their editorial boards, research leadership and supervision, academic leadership and in learning and teaching.

Author Biography

Keith Smyth, University of the Highlands and Islands

Keith Smyth is Dean of Learning and Teaching and Professor of Pedagogy at the University of the Highlands and Islands, and one of the founding editors of the Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice. Keith is on Twitter @smythkrs and blogs sporadically at http://3eeducation.org/

References

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Published

2023-02-22