Focus group findings at Cardiff

Here are some of the main points that came out of our focus group interviews with graduate students at Cardiff University:

We conducted two focus groups:
(1) Female-only: Six participants from Taiwan, Korea, Norway, Wales & PRC – from 2nd to final year of study.
(2) Mixed: Five participants: Three male, two female – from first to final year of study.

In general, the students felt that the school provides an open and non-discriminatory environment. However, they are aware of structural inequalities -- suggesting that gender, age, status, ‘race’, and family.

Students suggest that social networks, often based on gender, determine access to teaching opportunities, research assistance and mentoring.

Though few feel that gender has affected their careers so far, all are aware of the gender pay gap in academia.

Students emphasised the need for more formal and informal mentoring. They also called for union/association action on gender issues related to teaching, research, admin, funded projects, hiring, promotion, etc.

Posted by Karin Wahl-Jorgensen