Reclaiming and Reframing Work-Life Balance Among Women in Higher Education
Disciplines
Public Administration | Public Affairs | Public Policy
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The careers of women and mothers were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These negative impacts were compounded among women with caregiving responsibilities due to significant challenges associated with professional and personal roles conflicts. The resulting phenomenon, the “she-session,” describes the mass exodus of women from the formal workforce as well as career downshifting among women who remained in their professional roles but decreased hours and/or responsibilities.
“Reclaiming and Reframing Work-Life Balance Among Women in Higher Education” is a 5-year longitudinal study on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the career trajectory of women working in higher education. This poster presentation will explore said impacts through qualitative data analysis of nearly four dozen interviews of faculty women conducted in 2021 and 2025. Thematic analysis resulted in the following areas of focus: Conflict of Professional & Parental Roles, Pandemic Isolation & Support Systems, and Increased Workloads & Expectations. Insights on the implications of these challenges as they pertain to a post-COVID world will be provided Additionally, the scope of career impacts on the participant cohort will be presented, including career advancements and shifts, both anticipated and unanticipated. Finally, recommendations for interventions to support women’s careers and professional development will be presented.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Government and International Affairs
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Jennifer W. Purcell
Reclaiming and Reframing Work-Life Balance Among Women in Higher Education
The careers of women and mothers were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These negative impacts were compounded among women with caregiving responsibilities due to significant challenges associated with professional and personal roles conflicts. The resulting phenomenon, the “she-session,” describes the mass exodus of women from the formal workforce as well as career downshifting among women who remained in their professional roles but decreased hours and/or responsibilities.
“Reclaiming and Reframing Work-Life Balance Among Women in Higher Education” is a 5-year longitudinal study on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the career trajectory of women working in higher education. This poster presentation will explore said impacts through qualitative data analysis of nearly four dozen interviews of faculty women conducted in 2021 and 2025. Thematic analysis resulted in the following areas of focus: Conflict of Professional & Parental Roles, Pandemic Isolation & Support Systems, and Increased Workloads & Expectations. Insights on the implications of these challenges as they pertain to a post-COVID world will be provided Additionally, the scope of career impacts on the participant cohort will be presented, including career advancements and shifts, both anticipated and unanticipated. Finally, recommendations for interventions to support women’s careers and professional development will be presented.