Scholarly Writing

Abstract

This study is an empirical investigation to determine if gender has an influence on academic performance and scholarly writing. A stratified random sample of faculty from 21 midwestern universities was selected to complete a 20-item survey. One variable revealed gender differences: Men were more likely than women to perceive children and family responsibilities as constraints on their ability to do scholarly writing. A second variable approached significance: Women were more likely than men to identify themselves as doing theoretical work. Although the women and men in this survey reported to have published similar amounts, women were less likely to be associate and full professors than were men. This study suggests that the organizational culture and structure of academia privileges men.