Homosocial and heterosocial academics in masculinity contest cultures

In a new article in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, Monica Lindgren and Johann Packendorff examine how masculinities are reproduced in academic workplace cultures through homosocial and heterosocial relations in the context of neoliberal university reforms. This study contributes to understanding gender dynamics in higher education by developing a nuanced conceptual framework for understanding masculinity contests in academic settings and demonstrating how seemingly similar neoliberal transformations produce different gendered outcomes across institutions through the interplay of homosocial and heterosocial relations. Findings suggest that performance management systems can reinforce gender hierarchies when implemented without attention to homosocial and heterosocial dynamics. Universities need to provide better institutional support for middle managers, particularly women, who face contradictory expectations from multiple directions. The article is available open access here,