Understanding the experiences of female doctoral students

Authors: Brown, L. and Watson, P.

Journal: Journal of Further and Higher Education

Volume: 34

Issue: 3

Pages: 385-404

eISSN: 1469-9486

ISSN: 0309-877X

DOI: 10.1080/0309877X.2010.484056

Abstract:

This article presents findings from a qualitative study of the impact of gender on the doctoral experience. Eight women who had recently completed or who had almost completed a PhD were interviewed about their experiences. Seven studied part time and one full time. It was found that being a mother had profound implications for doctoral-level study. First, the timing of study was dictated by domestic demands; second, balancing home and academic life was a source of great stress, and women were torn between their roles as wife/mother and student. Finally, attendance at conferences was problematic, and, for many women, impossible. The literature suggests that gender also has an impact on the supervisory relationship; however, this was not supported, as although all of the interviewees had a male supervisor, they did not report dissatisfaction with the supervision received. © 2010 UCU.

Source: Scopus