Resistance and counter-resistance to gender equality policies in Spanish universities

Abstract

Resistance in academia is a pervasive phenomenon. Gender equality was prescribed more than a decade ago in Spain, but the problem remains unsolved. Contributing to feminist institutionalism, this paper identifies both the manifestations of resistance intended to interfere in the implementation of gender equality initiatives in Spanish universities and the strategic responses enacted by gender equality agents to counteract those resistances. To this end, we conducted in-depth interviews with the female directors of Equality Units (EqUs) at six public universities in Madrid. Despite increasing support for gender equality, the research results confirm the existence of a complex web of resistance. EqUs deploy a wide range of strategies to neutralise the refusal to accept or comply with gender equality initiatives, but these are mainly, albeit not exclusively, embodied in actions of survival. We argue that although limited, these specialised bodies’ capacity for agency has not been obliterated and could be used to put alternative and more proactive counter strategies in place to bring about fundamental change. Overall, the findings yield new insights into the progress of and resistance to gender equality initiatives in universities.

Transforming academic research? Resistances to gender mainstreaming implementation in universities

“…The lack of an agenda-setting approach is indicated by narrow concepts of GE and GM in the university GEPs and research manager’s discourse and a lack of recognition that institutional transformation is required (Hodgins and O’Connor, 2021), these actors’ limited knowledge of GM goals, participation and ownership of GE work, and non-prioritization of gender research. Implicit institutional resistance in the form of refusal to take responsibility is seen in the under-resourcing of GE units, well documented in the literature (Castaño Collado and Vázquez-Cupeiro, 2023; Tildesley et al, 2021; Verge et al, 2018), but also research departments (to dedicate to the implementation of initiatives) as well as gender studies and research centres. Individual resistance, implicit and explicit, comes from research managers who, employing legitimizing discourses (Roos et al, 2020), deny the need for more transformative actions and do not consider action on GE their responsibility.…”

“…What form does resistance take towards different initiatives that aim to achieve distinct gender equality in research objectives? While analyses of resistance towards GE policy implementation in Spanish universities are numerous (Alonso and Diz, 2022; Castaño Collado and Vázquez-Cupeiro, 2023; Lombardo and Bustelo, 2021; Verge et al, 2018), the analysis of resistance towards efforts to mainstream gender into research remains neglected. Furthermore, studies tend to centre on resistance as experienced and told by gender equality actors.…”

Quebrando barreiras e ampliando vozes: a ciência na era da equidade de gênero

“…Além disso, há um aumento na taxa de mulheres graduadas (Collado;Vázquez-Cupeiro, 2023;Matarranz;Ramírez, 2018) e um papel maior no ensino. Os subíndices que medem a participação das mulheres, as oportunidades econômicas e o empoderamento político expressam outras realidades menos lisonjeiras, como a falta de paridade, principalmente quando se trata de cargos de liderança e gestão.…”

“…Como podemos observar, o estudo da brecha de gênero e das estratégias para a eliminação e redução das desigualdades em ciência e tecnologia é uma linha de pesquisa complexa que analisa múltiplas dimensões, concentrando-se naquelas com maior poder explicativo, como os estereótipos de gênero, as dinâmicas e os processos que permitem sua superação, a socialização e a construção social da ciência e a necessidade de elaborar estudos teóricos e empíricos inovadores que respondam a esses problemas (Collado;Vázquez-Cupeiro, 2023).…”