Research approach
Research approach:
Evaluation of pre-existing ESF data:
A large amount of quantitative data has already been collected as part of previous ESF projects. The available data has been evaluated statistically by the research group. Further studies and literature were included, as well as summarized in an interim report, which contains initial recommendations for actions to be taken to improve the ESF funding structures.
Collection of qualitative data using focus groups and expert interviews:
For the qualitative data collection, surveys have been conducted using focus groups and expert interviews in order to explore the topic in a discursive way. The survey encompassing focus groups included the following target groups: university students, doctoral candidates, young scientists, scholarship holders, equality comissioners and alumni. The various focus groups were focused on various different topics, such as parenthood, care work, study success projects, (in)formal networks, and gender equality knowledge. In addition to this, expert interviews have been conducted, again with doctoral candidates, young scientists, scholarship holders, equality comissioners of universities, alumni, professors as well as representatives of the Ministry of Science, Culture and Tourism. The interviews covered topics such as the candidates' own scientific careers, previous and required knowledge on gender equality, and mentoring programs.
Collection of quantitative data:
The pre-existing data set has been supplemented by the newly acquired collection of quantitative data in the format of a questionnaire. The target group ranged from university students, doctoral candidates, research assistants and junior researchers to professors. Depending on the target group, they were asked, for example, about study success projects, job advertisements and personal care work. The quantitative participant data were examined correlatively and through means of regression analyses. The additional collection of quantitative data should enable the creation of inferentially based generalizations of the results.
Social sciences document analysis:
The data basis for deriving recommendations for action has been examined in detail by means of a document analysis of legal texts and guidelines of the European Social Fund as well as job advertisements of previous ESF projects. A comprehensive catalogue of criteria has, in turn, been developed, which then formed the basis for the analysis in relation to the document format. For example, the extent to which gender-appropriate language was used, the extent to which statements on gender equality or the advancement of women were used, or the use of figurative language all were analyzed.
Organizational analysis:
In order to identify possible structural difficulties in terms of gender equality within the organizational structures of ESF-funded projects and the organizational structure of universities and project executing agencies, an organizational analysis has been conducted by means of a systematic survey of the relevant organizations (universities in Saxony and the ESF itself).
Project duration:
01.10.2020 - 31.12.2022
Funding:
Funding is provided by the Sächsische Aufbaubank - Förderbank - (SAB) and is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF).