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Rebuild the Academy: Supporting academic mothers during COVID-19 and beyond

Author

Listed:
  • Robinson W Fulweiler
  • Sarah W Davies
  • Jennifer F Biddle
  • Amy J Burgin
  • Emily H G Cooperdock
  • Torrance C Hanley
  • Carly D Kenkel
  • Amy M Marcarelli
  • Catherine M Matassa
  • Talea L Mayo
  • Lory Z Santiago-Vàzquez
  • Nikki Traylor-Knowles
  • Maren Ziegler

Abstract

The issues facing academic mothers have been discussed for decades. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is further exposing these inequalities as womxn scientists who are parenting while also engaging in a combination of academic related duties are falling behind. These inequities can be solved by investing strategically in solutions. Here we describe strategies that would ensure a more equitable academy for working mothers now and in the future. While the data are clear that mothers are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, many groups could benefit from these strategies. Rather than rebuilding what we once knew, let us be the architects of a new world.The COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting the many long-standing inequalities that academic mothers face. This Essay describes solutions for a more equitable academia, now and in the future, maintaining that rather than rebuilding what we once knew, we should be the architects of a new world.

Suggested Citation

  • Robinson W Fulweiler & Sarah W Davies & Jennifer F Biddle & Amy J Burgin & Emily H G Cooperdock & Torrance C Hanley & Carly D Kenkel & Amy M Marcarelli & Catherine M Matassa & Talea L Mayo & Lory Z Sa, 2021. "Rebuild the Academy: Supporting academic mothers during COVID-19 and beyond," PLOS Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(3), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pbio00:3001100
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001100
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kyle R. Myers & Wei Yang Tham & Yian Yin & Nina Cohodes & Jerry G. Thursby & Marie C. Thursby & Peter Schiffer & Joseph T. Walsh & Karim R. Lakhani & Dashun Wang, 2020. "Unequal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on scientists," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 4(9), pages 880-883, September.
    2. Diyi Li & Cory Koedel, 2016. "Representation and Salary Gaps by Race/Ethnicity and Gender at Selective Public Universities," Working Papers 1613, Department of Economics, University of Missouri, revised Apr 2017.
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    Cited by:

    1. The PLOS Biology Staff Editors, 2021. "How PLOS Biology aims to foster diversity, equity and inclusion in science," PLOS Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(3), pages 1-3, March.

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