The Dark Side of Academia examines harmful practices in higher education like burnout, precarity, inequality, and misconduct. It highlights pressures on health and wellbeing, discrimination, and performance demands, offering practical recommendations to support academic staff and guide policy for better workplace conditions.
The Dark Side of Academia provides an insight into the prevalence, form, and impact of harmful practices within academia. By combining contemporary research, practice, and policy, it examines the experience and impact of issues such as precarity, burnout, and violence within higher education.
This key title synthesises expertise on a range of vitally important issues impacting higher education right now. Addressing the experiences of academic employees, it shines a light on the prevalent but often unspoken underbelly of academia. Structured into three main sections, it focuses on key topics such as performance and competition; health, wellbeing, and burnout; precarious contracts; inequality and discrimination; disability; gender and gender identity; race and ethnicity; and bullying and sexual misconduct.
Each chapter includes clear recommendations for policy and practice and is essential reading for all those working in higher education, but particularly those in positions of power. This book is designed to encourage greater attention to the experiences of all staff employed in the sector and to offer implementable strategies to provide better support for academics.
Arvustused
Anyone who has ever believed in meritocracy that being good enough, working hard enough, and persevering long enough would be enough should read The Dark Side of Academia. This powerful book exposes academias underbelly and makes a compelling case for confronting toxic cultures head-on. Dr Jennifer Leigh, University of Kent
Like the dark side of the moon, academia hides shadows few dare to illuminate. Professor Brewers The Dark Side of Academia bravely exposes the systemic barriers so many marginalised colleagues face daily. Honest, unsettling, and empowering, this book gives voice to the silenced and demands change within the ivory tower. Dr Hamied Haroon, Chair, National Association of Disabled Staff Networks (NADSN)
This is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand wellbeing in higher education. Professor Brewers book provides important insights into the challenges of working in a university and the impact of the numerous policies, metrics, and economic factors we face as a sector. Dr Sue Wilbraham, University of Cumbria
Professor Brewer critically examines the dark side of academia through consideration of the challenges facing the profession. With particular emphasis on the experiences of marginalised staff and students and recommendations for positive change, this is a must-read for all in higher education. Dr Faye Skelton, Edinburgh Napier University
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: Monitoring, Competition, and Workload
Chapter 2: Health, Wellbeing, and Burnout
Chapter 3: Precarious Contracts, Doctoral Students, and Postdoctoral
Researchers
Chapter 4: Disability, Chronic Illness, and Neurodivergence
Chapter 5: Gender, Parenting, and Sexual Orientation
Chapter 6: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture
Chapter 7: Bullying and Incivility
Chapter 8: Sexual Harassment and Violence
Chapter 9: Conclusion and Additional Resources
Index
Gayle Brewer is Professor of Psychology and Education at the University of Liverpool, UK. Professor Brewer has worked in higher education for over 20 years, and she informs Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion practice and policy on a national level. Professor Brewer has published over 100 journal articles and holds doctorates in both Psychology and Education.
