It takes a [helpful] village: Recognizing and minimizing unhelpful help to better support female caregivers in academia

Abstract

The aim of the present commentary is to address what is helpful versus unhelpful when supporting women scholars as they navigate the complexities of pregnancy, postpartum, and caregiving demands of their children. Gabriel et al. (2023) provide real-world accounts which suggest that well-intentioned department heads and faculty may engage in "unhelpful workplace social support" (UWSS) or poorly executed support that is perceived negatively (Gray et al., 2020). By examining experiences reported in Gabriel et al. through the lens of unhelpful social support, we identify three pitfalls that may occur when trying to support female caregivers in academia: (a) providing imposing support, (b) providing uncomforting support, and (c) providing critical support. The pitfalls inform three helpful allyship behaviors that complement those provided in Gabriel et al.: (a) provide autonomy and involve women in decision making, (b) use the Imago method to provide emotional support, and (c) frame support as a human right rather than something that is earned.