A gendered analysis of employment in higher education of Pakistan paper presented at gender work and organisation

Khan, Mahwish

Abstract

The number of female academics is increasing gradually in Pakistan (Federal Bureau of Statistics, 2010). The growth in the number of male faculty members, however, was higher than females in colleges and universities since the year 2000, making it a male-dominated occupation in Pakistan (Federal Bureau of Statistics, 2010). This paper aims to conduct a gendered analysis of higher education in Pakistan through a comparison of experiences and perceptions of men and women – employed in the public and private sector universities in Lahore. It will analyse horizontal and vertical gender segregation within higher education and evaluates to what extent social factors, masculine and feminine dichotomies and the role of the State explains this occupational gender segregation. It further explores gender difference and quality of employment in higher education through analysing rewards and career advancement opportunities for men and women working in the public and private sector universities in Pakistan.
The study draws on theoretical debates explaining gender segregation in the labour market. Is gender segregation a result of labour market structures (Walby, 1990; 1997) or consequence of domestic gender relations (Bradley, 2012) or is it simply down to the matter of choice (Hakim, 2000)? This paper discusses the extent to which western theories of gender segregation aid our understanding of men's and women's employment in the context of Pakistan. The methodological approach is that of a multi-level analysis, so as to understand female faculty members’ experiences of employment in the education sector at different levels as well as those of male faculty members within the broader cultural, political and economic context of Pakistan. The original data is collected through semi-structured interviews – 22 in total - with women and men, faculty members of public and private sector universities in Lahore. This paper has used individual level analyses and further developed it by attending to social relations and the role of the state regrading gender and employment in Pakistan. Hence, the paper draws upon secondary data sources, including published research, statistical employment data and documentary evidence, to address state policy in relation to higher education provision and employment policies and practices in public and private higher educational institutions.
The findings demonstrate that despite steady increase of women in higher education gender disparity persist in the sector. Women are concentrated in the entry level positions (Lecturers) whereas senior management and top positions are predominantly held by men. Women are underrepresented in the decision-making bodies and committees consequently have less influence over policy making. Moreover, quality of employment is different in the public and private sector universities along with permanent and contractual employment divide. Unsurprising women are concentrated in the private sector universities and largely hold non-permanent employment contracts with lower rewards and career advancement opportunities. The vertical and horizontal segregation in higher education is strongly influenced by the structural dynamics of educational institutions, the state policy and wider role of men and women in the society.

Citation

Khan, M. (2018, June). A gendered analysis of employment in higher education of Pakistan paper presented at gender work and organisation. Paper presented at Gender, Work and Organisation Conference, Sydney, Australia

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Gender, Work and Organisation Conference
• Conference Location: Sydney, Australia
• Start Date: Jun 13, 2018
• End Date: Jun 16, 2018
• Acceptance Date: Jun 14, 2018
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/866608
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : The 10th Biennial International Interdisciplinary