Theorizing academia: Focus on human development and family science

Abstract

This special issue explores the positionality of feminist administrators within Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) and their efforts to enhance the discipline's visibility, value, and impact. Drawing from extensive administrative and leadership experiences, the contributors examine the status and boundaries of HDFS in higher education, addressing issues such as devaluation linked to masculinist ideologies, structural challenges, and the need for equitable power distribution. The collection also critiques neoliberalism in academia, advocating for human well-being as the core of HDFS programs. Key themes include the historical and societal contexts of HDFS, critical problems such as burnout and trauma, diverse contributions, and the intellectual work of administration. The issue calls for a transformation in higher education that prioritizes human dignity, inclusivity, and meaningful community engagement, aiming for a more just and effective academic system.