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Living Feminism in the Academy: South African Women Tell Their Stories

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Living Feminism in the Academy: South African Women Tell Their Stories ABSTRACT Title of Document: LIVING FEMINISM IN THE ACADEMY: SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN TELL THEIR STORIES Carol Corneilse, Doctor of Philosophy, 2009 Directed By: Professor Steven J. Klees Education Leadership, Higher Education, & International Education Studies about North American and European women predominate the literature on gender issues in higher education, particularly research that focuses on female academics who are self-described feminists. The literature tells us that there are differences between the institutional experiences of feminist faculty, as opposed to female faculty in general. Most universities are male-dominated institutions and inequalities in status, rank, and salary persist, although the gaps have shrunk over time. Female faculty who self-identify as feminists are more likely to challenge discriminatory institutional practices, because feminism, by its nature, challenges the status quo. And they are more likely to be ostracized and ridiculed when they confront unequal treatment. Yet the presence of feminists in the academy signals their belief in its value as an institution. Universities offer the intellectual space to theorize about women’s position in society, to generate knowledge that brings about greater understanding of women’s lives, and to develop strategies for change. There is a small, but growing, body of literature documenting the experiences of female faculty in South Africa’s higher education institutions. Few studies have focused on feminist faculty, however. In this qualitative study, six diverse women share their experiences of being feminist faculty in South African universities over a thirty-year period, beginning in the early 1970s. Their personal narratives begin in their formative childhood years when they first become aware of social injustice. The study documents their growing feminist consciousness, their initial encounters with feminist theories, their struggles as university and community activists, and as young faculty. The women recall pivotal events and experiences that have shaped them, and describe what it has been like to live out their feminist values on a daily basis in South Africa’s universities. LIVING FEMINISM IN THE ACADEMY: SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN TELL THEIR STORIES By Carol E. Corneilse Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 2009 Advisory Committee: Professor Steven J. Klees, Chair Dr. Hanne Mawhinney Professor Claire Moses Dr. Carol Anne Spreen Professor Nelly Stromquist © Copyright by Carol Corneilse 2009 For Daddy, who taught me that learning could be fun, and For Mommy, who always believed that I would achieve more than I thought I could. ii Acknowledgements There are many people who have, supported, threatened, cajoled, and reassured me throughout this lengthy process. I would not have finished the dissertation without them: • Diana Williams generously made it possible me to travel to South Africa to do my fieldwork. I am deeply grateful for her support throughout my trip. • The participants in this study graciously gave me their time and shared their memories and experiences. They continue to inspire me. • Tina Barsby, Lisa Cooney, Sandee Pyne, and Crain Soudien patiently listened to my ideas, then kindly read drafts and gave me detailed, thoughtful feedback. • Stephanie, Clarissa, Jeanie, and Tish greased the wheels of administration and made it all seem effortless. Thank you for five happy years in EDPL. • My work on this project and this document have benefited from the wisdom of my committee, Dr. Hanne Mawhinney, Dr. Claire Moses, Dr. Carol Anne Spreen, and Dr. Nelly Stromquist. • Dr. Steve Klees, my friend and mentor, whose Yoda-like calm helped me keep it all together and whose enthusiasm for this project never wavered. When I grow up I want to be a teacher like you. • My IEP and EDPL friends, for being models of international co-operation. • Andrea, Cassandra, Wendi, Elizabeth, and Sandee: it has been my privilege to walk with you on this journey. Thank you for the gift of your friendship. • Barbara, Anita, Illana and the other members of our dissertation support groups truly demonstrate the power of peers to keep one going in the most challenging times. iii • Wilhelmina, who embodies the joy, resilience, and fighting spirit of South African feminists, and whose unconditional love is one of life’s treasures. • Finally, my amazing family: my sisters Geraldine and Lesley, who cheer me on from afar. Roy, you are my rock, my champion, and my intellectual North Star. Emma and William, I am so privileged to be your Mom. Thank you for your patience and love throughout this whole process. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................... iii Chapter 1: Introduction ....................................................................................................1 Women in Higher education ..........................................................................................2 International patterns ..............................................................................................2 South African female faculty ....................................................................................3 Research Questions ........................................................................................................4 Significance....................................................................................................................5 Situating Myself ............................................................................................................6 South African Higher Education ...................................................................................8 Diverse origins/diverse cultures ..............................................................................8 The Current Context ..............................................................................................13 Definition of Terms......................................................................................................16 Chapter 2: Literature Review .........................................................................................17 Introduction .................................................................................................................17 The Search ...................................................................................................................18 Broad Themes in the Research ...................................................................................20 Institutional Issues .......................................................................................................22 “Playing at being academic” ........................................................................................27 Feminists and Feminism in the Academy ....................................................................28 Career Paths of Feminist Faculty .................................................................................31 Triple Jeopardy: Race, Ethnicity, and Gender .............................................................32 Surviving the Academy................................................................................................39 Conclusion: Implications for a Study of South African Feminist Faculty...................42 Chapter 3: Methodology..................................................................................................47 Introduction .................................................................................................................47 Why a Qualitative Study ..............................................................................................48 Theoretical Framework: The Feminist Lens ................................................................49 Telling Women’s Life Stories ......................................................................................51 Site and Sample Selection ............................................................................................56 Data Gathering ............................................................................................................58 Analysis .......................................................................................................................59 Validity ........................................................................................................................60 Chapter 4: Feminist Faculty Tell Their Stories ............................................................63 Introduction ..................................................................................................................63 1. Roots of Feminist Activism ...................................................................................64 Growing up ............................................................................................................64 University-based activism .....................................................................................67 2. Feminist Influences ...............................................................................................70 Feminist influences on campus .............................................................................71 Feminist influences in the community ...................................................................77 v 3. Attributes
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