The price of success? The experiences of three senior working class female academics in the UK

Abstract

This paper explores how gender and class shape the constructions, perceptions and experiences of career success for three senior female academics, all of whom come from a white, working class background, paying attention to whether they reported any ‘price’ for their academic success. The paper is divided into four sections; first, there is a brief overview of what is known about working class women's experiences of higher education. Second, the paper outlines the methodological approach informing this research. Third, the paper explores the complexity of success. Fourth, some of the costs that my respondents have paid for their career success are discussed.