Year of Award
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Type
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Degree Name
International Educational Leadership
Department or School/College
Phyllis J. Washington College of Education
Committee Chair
William P. McCaw
Commitee Members
Erica Allen, Grace Gardner, John Matt, Liqin Tang
Keywords
Chinese Higher Education, Female Leadership, Glass Ceiling
Abstract
This study was designed to explore the phenomenon of the glass ceiling encountered by Chinese female deans in higher education, using a systematic qualitative research approach to uncover the phenomenon's nature and influencing factors. Adhering strictly to Giorgi's (2009) phenomenological methodology, the study conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 female deans from various regions and institutional types across China, collecting rich data on their career trajectories, multi-level challenges, and coping strategies.
Through data analysis, eight themes and three key structures were identified, revealing that the glass ceiling is a product of the complex interplay between institutional constraints, personal challenges, and cultural norms, reinforced by persistent gender biases and systemic barriers. Despite these challenges, the findings highlighted that female deans actively develop leadership resilience, adopt innovative adaptation strategies, and establish personal empowerment mechanisms to overcome professional obstacles. However, findings further emphasized that individual empowerment and adaptive strategies alone are insufficient to break the glass ceiling entirely. Achieving gender equality in Chinese higher education leadership requires broader institutional reforms and cultural shifts to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.
This study not only filled a research gap on the glass ceiling faced by female deans in Chinese higher education context but also provided valuable theoretical and practical insights for policy formulation and institutional management. The findings offered significant implications for advancing gender equality in higher education leadership and enhancing career development opportunities for female leaders.
Recommended Citation
Zhao, Mingyu, "THE GLASS CEILING IN CHINESE HIGHER EDUCATION: THE EXPERIENCE OF FEMALE DEANS" (2025). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 12489.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/12489
© Copyright 2025 Mingyu Zhao