Reflections on tenure, the two-body problem, and retention in the 21st century academy. (1st October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Larson, Samantha June; Miller, Annie; Drury, Ida
• Is Part Of: Journal of public affairs education. Volume 26:Number 4(2020)
• Page Start: 506
• Page End: 530
• Publication Date: 2020-10-01
• Subjects: Balance -- tenure -- retention -- reform; Public administration -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Study and teaching; Public administration -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; 351
• DOI: 10.1080/15236803.2020.1759346
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1523-6803

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Academics rarely discuss work/life balance, or our lack thereof. In this symposium article, we confront the normalization of imbalance on the tenure-track that pervades 21st Century institutions. Our autoethnographic approach includes three personal vignettes based on each author's experience, supported by extant research, to highlight the issues faced by a growing cadre of early career scholars. First, we discuss working within the volatile higher education environment. Second, we note financial, social, and health-related costs of life in long-distance, commuter relationships. Third, we consider whether work/life balance is possible given these trends, which adversely impacts retention, particularly for womxn faculty. In closing, we contend that the four pillars of public administration offer a useful framework for confronting these issues and pose recommendations at the individual, department, and institution level to improve work/life balance in an era when the goal posts never stop changing.