Responding to Change, Assessing Difference: A Review of the Literature on Professors at Canadian Universities

Abstract

The following literature review examines the current state of scholarly research on university faculty in Canada, or the Canadian professoriate. Since the 1970’s more than 300 publications have been produced by faculty, government agencies and professional associations, examining the experiences and perceptions of Canadian faculty. This review highlights the exponential growth in research on Canadian within the following themes: • Equity and Diversity • Employment Policy • Ongoing Changes There is substantial research on the experiences of women academics, as well as the working conditions and political opinions of Canadian faculty. The research indicates that significant changes have occurred in the prestige of academic work, the political actions and attitudes of faculty and number of academics available in Canada. This review concludes by highlighting several areas where further research is needed as Canadian faculty face the pressures global competition and the ascendency of the knowledge economy.