Gender differences in the enculturation process of new faculty in science.

Abstract

This study investigates the differences in the enculturation process of new female and male faculty in science. Four subjects (2 females and 2 males) were interviewed over a period of one year during their first year in a tenure-track position in order to collect information on their experiences during the four stages of the enculturation process: (1) the pre-arrival stage; (2) the encounter stage; (3) the adaptation stage; (4) the commitment vs individuation stage. The experiences and feelings between the genders were systematically compared. It appears that there were gender differences with respect to reconciling career and family responsibilities, in setting work priorities, the number and quality of interactions that females and males have with colleagues, the perception on their new setting and work satisfaction. Overall, it would seem that the two female subjects moved towards individuation with respect to the organizational culture within the scientific community. In contrast, it seems that the two male subjects seemed to move towards commitment of the organization. In Phase 2 of the study, four additional female scientists were interviewed in order to explore key enculturation issues for women scientists. The themes explored were: (1) Balancing academe and family life; (2) the need for mentors; (3) a new definition of success; (4) choosing science as a career---successes and regrets. Finally, the study proposes further development with respect to the theoretical model of the enculturation process. Furthermore, a theoretical framework of three female profiles is proposed for the purpose of further investigation.