Challenging male homophily and bias in academic research and practice

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.