Barriers to Women's Promotion in F.E.

Abstract

This article constitutes the description of a qualitative study on the subject of the under‐representation of women in Further Education management. Six women at or above Head of Department level were identified within the ex‐ILEA area, and interviewed using their career histories as a basis for discussion. Background reading suggested three main types of hindrance to women's promotion: behavioural, deficiency and organisational. Points arising from the interviews were analysed with respect to these, resulting in recommendations to management and women for action which could improve the prospects of women wanting promotion. For reasons of space, the interviews themselves are not included.