Women law professors - Negotiating and transcending gender identities at work

This paper reports a research project on women law professors in the U.K. Despite their similar social and educational backgrounds, successful women legal academics disclose marked differences in their perceptions of the influence of gender on their work identities. Many emphasise the caring and pastoral roles they adopt, or are expected to adopt. Organisational cultures also emerge as a significant factor in determining the gender experiences of women law professors. The few with experience as head of school downplay the significance of gender while simultaneously acknowledging the influence of gender constructions and expectations. © 2002 Kluwer Law International.