Discrimination of women in Academia: “Glass Ceilings” and “Cliffs”, “Firewalls” and “Maternal Walls”

Abstract

The article researches the phenomenon of discrimination against women scientists. It relies on an original qualitative empirical research of Lithuanian female sociologists with doctoral degrees, a secondary analysis of previous research, and an analysis of five gender discrimination metaphors: “the glass ceiling” of invisible barriers for upwardly mobile; “the firewall” that shuts entry through open doors, “ the glass cliff” of elevated high-risk positions, “the glass elevator” to describe a quick career for males, and “the maternity wall” of career barriers for mothers. The article focuses on invisible forms of discrimination against women scientists. It argues that some female scientists in Lithuania continue encountering numerous career barriers and that their professional performance is often played down due to prevailing stereotypes and institutional practices.