Looking for Feminist Leadership Praxis in Higher Education: A Systematic Review of the Literature

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Looking for Feminist Leadership Praxis in Higher Education: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Language: English
Authors: Kay Fuller, Asadullah Lashari
Source: Journal of Educational Administration and History. 2026 58(2):277-299.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 23
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Literature Reviews, Feminism, Higher Education, Women Administrators, Intersectionality, Social Justice, Activism, Leadership, Social Values, Praxis, Political Attitudes
DOI: 10.1080/00220620.2025.2564077
ISSN: 0022-0620
1478-7431
Abstract: Leadership in higher education dominates growth in research about women in educational leadership. However, leadership informed by feminism (feminist leadership praxis [FLP]) in higher education goes largely unreported. We report findings from a systematic literature review of research about FLP, funded by a Leverhulme Research Fellowship Grant. Analysis of fifteen papers shows leadership enactment, knowledge production and reproduction mostly drew on intersectionality perspectives. Feminist academic, administrative and student leaders advocated for social justice and activism across multiple borders. We argue the university contains multiple borderlands (geographical, social, sectoral, institutional, disciplinary, temporal, praxis) where consciousness raising, education and research occur in "Spaces of tension, oppression and danger" and "Spaces of survival, creativity and hope." A radical approach to dismantle neoliberal structures and social inequalities associated with patriarchy and racism is necessary if the university is to become more inclusive for students, staff, leaders and the community in which it is located.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1504466
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Leadership in higher education dominates growth in research about women in educational leadership. However, leadership informed by feminism (feminist leadership praxis [FLP]) in higher education goes largely unreported. We report findings from a systematic literature review of research about FLP, funded by a Leverhulme Research Fellowship Grant. Analysis of fifteen papers shows leadership enactment, knowledge production and reproduction mostly drew on intersectionality perspectives. Feminist academic, administrative and student leaders advocated for social justice and activism across multiple borders. We argue the university contains multiple borderlands (geographical, social, sectoral, institutional, disciplinary, temporal, praxis) where consciousness raising, education and research occur in "Spaces of tension, oppression and danger" and "Spaces of survival, creativity and hope." A radical approach to dismantle neoliberal structures and social inequalities associated with patriarchy and racism is necessary if the university is to become more inclusive for students, staff, leaders and the community in which it is located.
ISSN:0022-0620
1478-7431
DOI:10.1080/00220620.2025.2564077