The Stained-Glass Partition: Cross-Sex Collegial Relationships in Christian Academia
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| Title: | The Stained-Glass Partition: Cross-Sex Collegial Relationships in Christian Academia |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Dzubinski, Leanne M. (ORCID |
| Source: | Christian Higher Education. 2021 20(3):184-208. |
| Availability: | Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 25 |
| Publication Date: | 2021 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Higher Education, Interpersonal Relationship, Collegiality, College Faculty, Gender Issues, Christianity, Religious Colleges, Women Faculty, Power Structure, Friendship, Barriers, Work Environment, Sex Role, Sexuality, Religious Factors, Teacher Attitudes |
| DOI: | 10.1080/15363759.2020.1756532 |
| ISSN: | 1536-3759 |
| Abstract: | This study focused on the glass partition, a term used to describe the challenges that exist in forming and maintaining cross-sex collegial relationships in the workplace. Women may be limited in their ability to benefit from collegial relationships due to the challenges of cross-sex relationships, particularly in a Christian environment. We use the term "stained-glass partition" to describe the effects of gender separation in a Christian university atmosphere, a research focus that has been largely unexamined to date. In this single-institution study, 21 full-time faculty were interviewed regarding their perceptions of cross-sex relationships at work. Data were analyzed using grounded theory procedures to allow major themes to emerge. Results showed that there is a stained-glass partition operating at the university--sometimes created intentionally and partially based on fear--that has a disproportionately negative impact on women faculty. The partition can be mitigated through routine collegial interactions such as committee work and through viewing one another as sacred siblings rather than a sexual "other." Students, faculty, and the university as a whole benefit when the partition is reduced, and the Christian faith commitment that is held in common by community members provides a helpful perspective in moving relationships away from power into agape-love and sibling-type relationships. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are presented. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2021 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1299208 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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