Sleepless in academia Sandra Acker & Carmen Armenti

The conditions under which women academics work provide the impetus for this article. Current
trends in feminist and other writing are moving us away from dwelling on the disadvantages women
experience in the academy. Yet the findings from the two Canadian studies reported here suggest
that issues around children and career, anxieties about evaluation, and fatigue and stress shape the
daily lives of women academics. The women do find ways and means of coping and resisting,
sometimes collectively, although one of the major responses—working harder and sleeping less—
might be considered somewhat short of empowering. We also look at what the prospects are for
changes in university policies and practices.
Introduction
I mean, if I didn't have to sleep it would be fine. (Audrey)
Well, I write … at ten at night till three in the morning. (Moira)
There's a big portion of our work that we can do between two and three in the morning
if we want to and if we can force ourselves to stay awake. (Natalie)

Το άρθρο Εδώ