Navigating Gender Disparities in Communication Research Leadership: Academic Recognition, Career Development, and Compensation

TL;DR

This article analyzes gender disparities in communication research using a large Web of Science dataset (62,359 papers across 121 journals, 2004–2023) and a top-journal subset. It employs name-based gender inference, a randomization test of collaboration patterns using observed vs expected frequencies $f_o$ and $f_r$, and public-university salary data to assess representation, impact, and pay across ranks. Key findings include rising female authorship but persistent citation gaps for women, strong gender homophily in team formation, underrepresentation of women in top venues, and rank- and institution-structured salary differences with notable variation across institutions. The results highlight the need for inclusive collaboration, equitable citation practices, and fair compensation to reduce gender inequities in the field.

Abstract

This study examines gender disparities in communication research through citation metrics, authorship patterns, team composition, and faculty salaries. Using data from 62,359 papers across 121 communication journals, we find that while female authors are increasingly represented, citation gaps persist, with sole-authored papers by women receiving fewer citations than those by men, especially in smaller teams. Team composition analysis reveals a tendency toward gender homophily, with single-gender teams being more common. In top U.S. communication journals, female authors face underrepresentation and citation disparities favoring male authors. Salary analysis from leading U.S. public universities shows that female faculty earn lower salaries at the Assistant Professor level, though disparities lessen at higher ranks. These findings highlight the need for greater efforts to promote gender equity through inclusive collaboration, equitable citation practices, and fair compensation.