A Review of the Literature on the Status of Women and Minorities in the Professoriate in Higher Education

Abstract

Over the past twenty years, the status of women in higher education has improved, but only marginally so. As the political and social climate of the country has become more conservative, the concepts of affirmative action and equal opportunity for women and minorities have been challenged more than ever. In addition, although women are flocking to graduate schools in record numbers, only a small percentage of them are encouraged to seek positions in higher education as administrators or professors. Statistically, the situation is worse, especially for black women. This status report focuses on the following: (1) the role of affirmative action in the hiring and retention of women in higher education; (2) the environment that exists in colleges and universities in regard to women and minorities; (3) policies that adversely affect black women in academia; (4) existing rank and salary inequities of minority male and female professors; (5) a specific look at male and female professors of educational administration; and (6) implications and recommendations.