Lifting a Ton of Feathers: A Woman's Guide to Surviving in the Academic World

by Paula J. Caplan

Lifting a Ton of Feathers is not only a survival guide, it is also a destroyer of academic myths about women's career chances in the university, and a revelation of the catch-22 positions in which women find themselves. Caplan demonstrates that while many women believe that when they fail it is their fault, their fate is more likely to be sealed by their encounter with the male environment, and by the manner in which they are tossed about by it. She aims to help women avoid self-blame and understand the real sources of their problems. Readers will find the information about the mine-field of academia for women infuriating, but the means of telling it highly entertaining. Women account for more than half of all undergraduate students in the US and Canada, yet they make up only 10 per cent of faculty members at the level of full professor. What happens to women between freshman level, the tenure track, and the ensuing following professional years that keeps them out of the highest levels of academia? Paula Caplan is herself a veteran of the academic career struggle, and she sets out to explore this question with not only her own observations but also those of many women whom she has interviewed, and with a strong backing of established research. With these tools she provides a clear-eyed assessment of what women who have embarked on an academic career, and those who are considering it, may expect. Forewarned is forearmed, and Caplan presents a list of the forms that the maleness of the environment two of these are the conflict between professional and family responsibilities, and sexual harassment. In addition, her book offers advice on practical techniques of how to prepare a curriculum vitae, how to handle job interviews, and how to apply for promotions and tenure. A final chapter is a unique checklist which serves two to provide guidance in a search for a woman-positive institution and to give suggestions for ways individual women, and women in groups, can work to improve the situation at their own institutions.

Genres: Feminism, Academic, Nonfiction

290 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Paula J. Caplan, Ph.D., is a clinical and research psychologist, author of books and plays, playwright, actor, and director. She was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, received her A.B. with honors from Radcliffe College of Harvard University, and received her M.A. and Ph.D. in psychology from Duke University. She is currently an Affiliate at Harvard University's DuBois Institute, working on their Voices of Diversity project, and a past Fellow at the Women and Public Policy Program of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. She has given more than 400 invited addresses and invited workshops and has done more than 1,000 media interviews as part of her work in public education and activism.
She is former Full Professor of Applied Psychology and Head of the Centre for Women's Studies in Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, and former Lecturer in Women's Studies and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. Her twelfth and latest book is When Johnny and Jane Come Marching Home: How All of Us Can Help Veterans.

Reviews

[Jess Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Lifting a Ton of Feathers" by Paula J. Caplan is a seminal work that delves into the persistent challenges faced by women in academia. Nearly three decades after its publication, the book remains a poignant reflection of gender disparities in higher education. While appreciating its depth, a reader, especially one from within the academic circles, might find the book both enlightening and discomforting.

Caplan's work presents an exhaustive examination of the systemic barriers women encounter in higher education. The book is rich with data and real-life examples that paint a vivid picture of the gender bias and discrimination faced by women in academia. It is structured to lay bare the multifaceted nature of these challenges, from subtle biases to overt discrimination. Despite its extensive data and detailed accounts, the book primarily focuses on outlining the problem, with less emphasis on actionable solutions. This approach, while comprehensive in diagnosing the issue, leaves the reader yearning for more guidance on overcoming these challenges.

The book's greatest strength lies in its ability to articulate the depth and complexity of the issues faced by women in academia. Caplan’s meticulous research and the compilation of real-world examples make the narrative both credible and compelling. The book's detailed analysis serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness and fostering understanding of the systemic issues at play. This awareness is crucial for driving change, as it highlights the need for institutional and cultural shifts in higher education.

However, the book's focus on problems rather than solutions is a notable weakness. While it successfully highlights the issues, its limited discussion on concrete solutions may leave readers feeling somewhat helpless. The data and examples, although relevant, are dated, which might detract from the book's appeal to a contemporary audience seeking current insights and strategies. Additionally, the dense and somewhat dry nature of the narrative might challenge readers' engagement, especially those who prefer a more solution-oriented approach.
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In conclusion, "Lifting a Ton of Feathers" remains a significant work in understanding the challenges faced by women in academia. Its thorough exposition of the problems provides a foundation for discourse and reflection. However, its emphasis on problems over solutions and the dated nature of its content limit its potential as a guide for current and future action. Despite these limitations, the book's relevance nearly 30 years after its publication underscores the enduring nature of gender inequality in academia. It serves as a call to action, not just to acknowledge these issues, but to actively seek and implement solutions that create a more equitable academic world.

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[Jessica]

This book was recommended for me by my dissertation chair as I embarked on my first tenure-track job. The book contains some great advice, but the data is showing its age (although its a great time capsule reminder of how bad things were for female academics even in the mid-1990s.) If anyone has a recommendation for a similar book that has been published more recently, please feel free to post below.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman in academia should read this. You might think you know about the sexism and misogyny in the field, but the author clearly lays out how it may affect you in your day to day work. I got a lot out of this book, and it has helped me see how some of my academic roadblocks are set up by the structure of academia, and not by my own failings.

[Corby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wish I had read this book when it came out. It might have saved me some bad-decision-angst and positively altered my career path. Then again I might not have been mature enough to really understand what to do during the real-life display of the insidious issues/situations raised in the book...

[Raquel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first five chapters are about misconceptions that women or people in general might have about women. The remaining three chapters give practical advice. I would recommend reading the last three chapters to everyone and reading or not the first five chapters according to personal experiences.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to come.

1. It explains how & why things can be so hard for women.

2. It demonstrates that it's not all in your head.

3. Gives clear suggestions for things to do.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 1994, this volume looks (with evidence) at the persistent problems faced by women in academia, which is still (like much else in the world) a male-dominated enterprise.