THE CONSTRAINTS THAT IMPACT WOMEN FACULTY IN THE PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT FIELD AT NC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THEIR CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Organizational, individual and societal constraints are holding women back from seeking leadership roles in higher education, although it is not just one of these constraints that stand out. It is a combination of all of these constraints together in its own complex equation that challenges women for leadership roles and positions (Arini, Collings, Conner, McPherson, & Wilson, 2011) within higher education. Women within the recreation-related field are challenged by the same constraints but have also struggled for recognition and status (Henderson, Bialeschki, & Sessoms, 1990). While Eagly and Wood (1999) have found that due to the physical differences between men and women, social roles were given to each gender. Therefore, due to the perception of the recreation-related field, challenges within higher education and social roles that are placed upon women, the path that women must take in the development of their career could be complex (Henderson, Harrolle, Rich, & Moretz, 2011). The purpose of this current study was to identify constraints that hinder career development for women faculty within PRTM departments at NC higher education institutions, discover if men and women view these constraint categories differently and reveal if constraints impact women differently at three different career stages. The significance of this current study is to raise the perception of the profession and awareness within higher education for women faculty in the higher education PRTM field. This study will provide a review of literature, framework used to guide the study, the methods of the participants surveyed, how the data was collected and how it was analyzed.