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Combining Academic Career and Motherhood: Experiences and Challenges of Women in Academia

Author Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Political Science, Nagaland University – Lumami, Nagaland, INDIA

Int. Res. J. Social Sci., Volume 2, Issue (4), Pages 12-15, April,14 (2013)

Abstract

This paper is concerned with how women in academia with children combine and balance the needs of professional responsibilities and family life. The paper explores the barriers that they encounter and how they respond to them, and what personal and professional supports enable or disallow them to reach their fullest potential in both roles. This study draws on primary data gathered through methods of questionnaire and interview. The findings point that women in academia face unique challenges, which require further investigation so as to create an academic environment which is supportive of women trying to balance a career and motherhood.

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