Self Esteem Issues and Challenges among Female Faculty in Higher Education

Dr Y. Madhusudhan Reddy

Abstract: Female faculty often face stereotypes that they are incapable of "tough" or demanding jobs and are viewed as less assertive or competent in leadership roles. Some are even perceived as less knowledgeable than male counterparts by both male and female students. While teachers cannot control issues related to salary, teaching assignment, paperwork, class size, student behavior, or support from administrators, they can learn and choose to develop skilled behaviors to deal with stressors. So it enhances their confidence and raises the level of self-esteem; self-esteem has been conceptualized as a "social vaccine" because it inoculates them against vulnerability to a wide range of social illnesses. Self-esteem over a certain threshold is a protective resource for women. There is a huge literature which reported that employment women had more level of self-esteem as compared to unemployment. Many female faculty members report an unseen, unbreakable barrier that keeps them from advancing to the highest academic ranks, regardless of their qualifications. Data shows that while women start their academic careers in high numbers, their representation significantly decreases at senior levels. Studies show that some men are not always comfortable being managed by women, leading female leaders to feel the need to alter their leadership and management styles.

Keywords: Self Confidence, Empathy, Expertise, Learning Mode

How to Cite?: Dr Y. Madhusudhan Reddy, "Self Esteem Issues and Challenges among Female Faculty in Higher Education", Volume 14 Issue 9, September 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 677-680, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25910134238, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25910134238