Gender Barriers and Career Advancement Challenges

Female postdoctoral researchers in China’s higher education system face persistent gender-based barriers that hinder their career advancement. This study investigates these challenges through the lens of the glass ceiling theory. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 female postdoctoral researchers, aged 28 to 40, from diverse disciplines and institutions across China. The thematic analysis revealed that gender discrimination, limited access to leadership roles, and insufficient institutional support impede career progression. Cultural expectations often pressure women to juggle career goals and family duties, which makes it harder for them to advance in their academic careers. This study concludes that persistent barriers call for urgent policy reforms, including clear promotion standards and better support for work-life balance, to promote gender equality in academia. Addressing these issues can empower female researchers and enhance innovation within the higher education system.