ERIC Number: EJ1299208
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1536-3759
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Stained-Glass Partition: Cross-Sex Collegial Relationships in Christian Academia
Dzubinski, Leanne M.; Hall, M. Elizabeth Lewis; Starcher, Richard L.
Christian Higher Education, v20 n3 p184-208 2021
This study focused on the glass partition, a term used to describe the challenges that exist in forming and maintaining cross-sex collegial relationships in the workplace. Women may be limited in their ability to benefit from collegial relationships due to the challenges of cross-sex relationships, particularly in a Christian environment. We use the term "stained-glass partition" to describe the effects of gender separation in a Christian university atmosphere, a research focus that has been largely unexamined to date. In this single-institution study, 21 full-time faculty were interviewed regarding their perceptions of cross-sex relationships at work. Data were analyzed using grounded theory procedures to allow major themes to emerge. Results showed that there is a stained-glass partition operating at the university--sometimes created intentionally and partially based on fear--that has a disproportionately negative impact on women faculty. The partition can be mitigated through routine collegial interactions such as committee work and through viewing one another as sacred siblings rather than a sexual "other." Students, faculty, and the university as a whole benefit when the partition is reduced, and the Christian faith commitment that is held in common by community members provides a helpful perspective in moving relationships away from power into agape-love and sibling-type relationships. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are presented.
Descriptors: Higher Education, Interpersonal Relationship, Collegiality, College Faculty, Gender Issues, Christianity, Religious Colleges, Women Faculty, Power Structure, Friendship, Barriers, Work Environment, Sex Role, Sexuality, Religious Factors, Teacher Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
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Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A