Women Academics in Theological and Mission Organisations

Abstract

This paper reports on a small-scale inquiry into the experience of female scholars undertaking post-graduate research in a British mission research centre working primarily with students from international backgrounds. Drawing on previous research literature, survey and interview data is used to identify social, financial, gendered and theological factors that impact women in terms of their entry into academia, flourishing and advancement in that contact. It suggests that academic institutions, systemic processes and measures of achievement are currently largely ‘designed by men for men’ and act to exclude women who do not approach research within male structures. It suggests that measures of achievement are different for men and women and that there are systemic issues in an academic system designed by men which are restrictive for men as well as women. A healthy academic institution needs to value mutual support, accomplishment and belonging, providing mentors, role models and networks of support.