Parallel paths: female professors balancing (self-)care and teaching

Abstract

This study investigates the trajectories of women faculty-researchers, focusing on the balance between care work and professional demands. The topic is relevant for understanding how social structures, particularly those that sustain gender inequalities, result in care responsibilities falling predominantly on women, influencing their personal experiences and academic careers. The objective was to analyze if and how care practices impact the professional development and knowledge production of these professors. The research employed a qualitative approach, using narrative interviews with university professors for data collection. Results indicate that care manifests as a complex practice, affecting both personal life and academic work, highlighting the importance of recognizing these experiences in shaping academic careers. It is concluded that understanding care in this context contributes to the visibility and valuation of women’s work in academia and supports the pursuit of a more equitable society.