Gender inequalities, research funding and organisational practices : Academic mothers in Finnish universities

Abstract

This chapter examines how gender equality in academic work and careers is (not) supported at the interplay of funding agency and university practices in the context of academic capitalism in Finland. By analysing researchers’ experiences, reported in 30 career interviews with women working in health technology in Finland (2018–2020), it interrogates one of the persistent gender inequalities in universities – the combination of research work and motherhood – and traces how this (non)support affects the careers of academic mothers having parental leave and children. Even though the practices of funding agencies can contribute significantly to the gender equality of academic careers, it is the combination of the practices of academic organisations and funding agencies that matters even more strongly to gender equality and women’s careers.