Skip to main content
Log in

Ecological Pushes and Pulls on Women Academics’ Pursuit of Research in China

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Frontiers of Education in China

Abstract

Women academics reportedly exhibit lower research productivity than males. This study first quantitatively explored gender differences in research output based on a survey among 309 Chinese academics teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). Qualitative data obtained through interviews with seven female respondents were analyzed from an ecological perspective. Results showed significant gender differences in domestic publication but no such differences in international publication. Women academics' pursuit of research was influenced by many factors from and beyond the microsystems of workplace and family, and their coping strategies included soliciting help from seasoned colleagues, attending academic conferences, and joining online communities. The findings highlight the institutional supportive practices and familial environment that are equally important in promoting women academics' professional development.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

Download references

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the National Social Science Fund of China (Project No. 14BYY067).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jian-E Peng.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Peng, JE. Ecological Pushes and Pulls on Women Academics’ Pursuit of Research in China. Front Educ China 15, 222–249 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11516-020-0011-y

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11516-020-0011-y

Keywords

Navigation