Flexibility or Insecurity? Women's Experiences of Fixed-Term Research-Only Positions in the Academy

Abstract

An increased use of fixed-term contracts and a separation between teaching and research are symptomatic of shifts in the organisation of academic labour internationally. Debate has surfaced as to whether such changes associated with new managerialism offer opportunities to women or intensify their enduring disadvantage in the academy. Research-only staff present a particularly interesting case: women appear to be relatively successful in achieving research-only positions (including at the highest ranks); however, research-only contracts tend to be fixed-term. This paper considers women's experiences of the temporary nature of research-only contracts at Victoria University of Wellington. It draws on quantitative analysis of human resources data to describe broad gendered patterns of fixed-term academic employment with a particular focus on research-only positions. Material from in-depth semi-structured interviews with female research-only employees is considered to explore the implications that fixed-term contracts have for women's day-to-day working lives, work/life balance and career development.