In the previous post, I explained the obstacles that I faced combining an academic job with kids. I'm not alone.
A recent study found that women with kids are far less likely to get tenure than men with kids. I often get e-mails from other academics who have their own horror stories. It seems that those who have been able to work it out, live in relatively inexpensive areas of the country, have support from other family members, and have access to inexpensive childcare.
Several factors are conspiring to make academia a particularly hostile place for parents. 1) The level of competition for jobs means that universities have no need to accommodate individuals with family responsibilities. 2) Most women don’t finish their dissertations until their mid thirties and don’t secure tenure until their forties. Too late to start a family. 3) The profession is traditionally male, and women don’t feel comfortable asking for a special room to breastfeed or for paid maternity leave. 4) There are no adequate part-time options for parents. Adjuncting doesn't pay for the babysitter.
Your thoughts?