Challenges Experienced by Women Working in Teaching and Other Academic Roles in the Education Sector

The education sector is another interesting sector in which to explore gender specific work and employment issues. Teachers and lecturers play an important role in society – they educate, nurture and shape the thinking of the future workforce, citizens, parents and members of communities. Worryingly, the perception of what used to be considered as a secure and fulfilling career choice has now started to deteriorate as a consequence of pay erosion and increased workload. This short paper includes themed summaries of the most concerning problems for women working in teaching and lecturing roles in the Scottish education sector, as identified by two of the sector’s trade unions organising in the primary, secondary and further education (Educational Institute of Scotland, EIS1), and further and higher education (University & College Union, UCU). Themed summaries from each sector will be outlined first, and overlapping concerns and priorities for union work will be pulled out in the concluding remarks.