University, pandemic and inequality: the “be-for-itself” and the “be-for-others” in the Academy

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives. This article aims to examine how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on the already existing gender gap in the field of research and in the academic trajectory of researchers and university professors. Methodology. To examine this impact, the exploitation of an investigation carried out on teaching and research personnel during the pandemic at the University of Vigo is presented. Results. The results obtained at different levels indicate that confinement has increased or maintained scientific production and the quality of men's working conditions, while women have been left behind and precarious in both scenarios. One of the main causes points to a greater burden of care on women, which has increased in the context of confinement. Conclusions and Discussion. This study concludes that the pandemic situation is increasing gender inequality in academia. In the medium term, this reality will become a slowdown in their scientific and academic careers, as a result of the decrease in their scientific production, which will further increase the already existing gender pay gap in our universities.