Mama, PhD: Women Write About Motherhood and Academic Life | 
 enlarge | Creators: Elrena Evans, Caroline Grant
Publisher: Rutgers University Press
Category: Book
List Price: $19.95
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Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 22527
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 288
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8
ISBN: 0813543185
Dewey Decimal Number: 378.155082
EAN: 9780813543185
ASIN: 0813543185
Publication Date: July 30, 2008
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Product Description
Every year, American universities publish glowing reports stating their commitment to diversity, often showing statistics of female hires as proof of success. Yet, although women make up increasing numbers of graduate students, graduate degree recipients, and even new hires, academic life remains overwhelming a man's world. The reality that the statistics fail to highlight is that the presence of women, specifically those with children, in the ranks of tenured faculty has not increased in a generation. Further, those women who do achieve tenure track placement tend to report slow advancement, income disparity, and lack of job satisfaction compared to their male colleagues.Amid these disadvantages, what is a Mama, PhD to do? This literary anthology brings together a selection of deeply felt personal narratives by smart, interesting women who explore the continued inequality of the sexes in higher education and suggest changes that could make universities more family-friendly workplaces.The contributors hail from a wide array of disciplines and bring with them a variety of perspectives, including those of single and adoptive parents. They address topics that range from the level of policy to practical day-to-day concerns, including caring for a child with special needs, breastfeeding on campus, negotiating viable maternity and family leave policies, job-sharing and telecommuting options, and fitting into desk/chair combinations while eight months pregnant.Candid, provocative, and sometimes with a wry sense of humor, the thirty-five essays in this anthology speak to and offer support for any woman attempting to combine work and family, as well as anyone who is interested in improving the university's ability to live up to its reputation to be among the most progressive of American institutions.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
Not just for PhDs July 27, 2008
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Although I am not an academic, (I teach as an adjunct and have occasional fantasies about becoming a professor), I found this book highly engaging. Who knew that the academy, that last bastion of liberal arts, was so conservative? The writers offer up stories of trying to accomodate both scholarship and motherhood - and occasionally giving up, as well as tips on how to deal with colleagues and antiquated policies regarding maternity leave and childcare, and ideas on how everything could be better. Some of my favorite essays were by the iconoclasts - Elrena Evans on trying to fit in as a feminist Christian while teaching barefoot, Angelica Duran on being a single mother from a low income family and making it work anyhow, and Jennifer Margulis on teaching (or trying to) in Niger.
Food for thought indeed! July 4, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
When I graduated from college with my BA, I never looked back. My mother/career tug of war was solved when I sold my first book three weeks after my daughter was born. I've worked at home ever since. I've certainly read my share of books on the issue of mothers in the workplace, but never one like this. I'm ashamed to admit that the plight of our most highly educated women ascending the ivory tower while endeavoring to begin families of their own had never blipped across my radar. Until now. I devoured essay after essay by these outstanding women, losing myself in their stories. I was astonished to learn the obstacles, the tribulations, and the plethora of unfortunate remarks they encountered and endured. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, but particularly women considering or enjoying a career in the realms of higher education. Well done, Mama PHDs!
A great read for working moms, regardless of profession July 4, 2008
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I'm not a mama in academia, but it is amazing how many similarities working in the corporate world has with the experiences of the women who contribute to this anthology. It is a must-read for women preparing to have a child and return to work in any field, and should be a required reading for anyone- male or female- joining the staff of a university. Raising awareness is the critical first step in affecting changes, so thanks to the Mama PhDs who contributed their funny, candid, and well-written essays to this collection.
mothers in academe July 2, 2008
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Well written and witty tales of trying, failing, and succeeding at combining motherhood and an academic career.
thoughtful and engaging July 1, 2008
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
Mama Phd is an anthology of heartfelt essays written by women. The writers beautifully describe the challenge of balancing family and academic life. This book will resonate with all mamas, working or stay-at-home. I couldn't put it down.
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