Gender inequalities in the Spanish University System: a pending challenge for individual and collective progress

Abstract

Introduction: This paper proposes a detailed analysis of the gender differences that persist in the Spanish University System, despite the efforts made. Methodology: The study has opted for a quantitative methodology, based on the analysis of official data from secondary sources. Results: The analysis shows that, overall, women have higher academic performance than men, better academic records and lower dropout rates. However, there is still a profound gender segregation between degrees and training cycles, which affects their access to the labour market. There are also gender differences among university professors and researchers, which become more pronounced as careers progress. For women, this means less success, a delay in their job stabilization and lower salaries. Discussions: Since its incorporation into the EHEA, Spain has made great efforts, in line with the recommendations of the European Union, to reduce gender inequalities in the university environment. However, these efforts have not been sufficient, as certain gender inequalities persist in the system and have become an almost structural element of it. Conclusions: It is necessary to adopt new strategies of an innovative nature that reinforce the work being done in this field. The actions to be taken should not be promoted solely at the university level, but should involve all sectors, such as pre-university education, paid work, law, and culture. The intervention must be global, with a transversal, interdisciplinary, and multidimensional approach.