Images, ideals and constraints in times of neoliberal transformations: Reproduction and profession as conflicting or complementary spheres in academia?

Bomert Christiane, Leinfellner Stefanie

Abstract

The article deals with structural, cultural and habitual concepts, principles and ideals of parenthoodin the German academic working context. It focuses on social processes of transformation andreconfiguration of reproduction and profession, which means within work and family spheres andespecially within academia in times of neoliberalism, economisation and globalisation. Discursiveand biographical research results of two German research projects will be linked to trace currentdevelopments of gender relations concerning the compatibility of scientific work and family. Using ananalytical governmental perspective, we reveal findings concerning the subject and identity formationsof scientists and parents. The insights and conclusions obtained will be discussed and evaluated interms of the interdependencies between the spheres of production and reproduction in neoliberalism.