Gender-Based Disparities in Academic Workload and Human Resource Utilisation: Evidence from Social Science Academics at the University of Jaffna

Abstract

Gender equality in human resource utilisation remains a critical yet insufficiently addressed issue, particularly in many Asian countries. Deeply rooted patriarchal norms, socio-cultural traditions and economic structures continue to reinforce systemic gender disparities. Such inequalities are particularly evident in sectors such as education and healthcare, where women may experience unequal opportunities and disproportionate workloads despite possessing comparable qualifications and responsibilities. Institutional efficiency and productivity can be fully realised only when individuals, regardless of gender, are provided with equitable opportunities to perform their roles and exercise their rights. Against this background, this study examines gender equality in human resource utilisation, with particular emphasis on the distribution of academic workload among Social Science academics at the University of Jaffna. Although previous studies have identified the promotion and maintenance of gender equality within institutions as a persistent global challenge, empirical research specifically examining gender equality in human resource utilisation within Sri Lankan higher education remains limited. This study addresses this gap by analysing data collected from 65 academic staff members, comprising 31 males and 34 females, who responded to a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed among 100 academic staff members across 17 departments of the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce at the University of Jaffna, yielding a response rate of 65%. The sample was selected using an appropriate sampling procedure based on established statistical techniques and sample-size determination methods. The study tested the null hypothesis that there is no statistically significant gender difference in workload-based human resource utilisation. Independent-samples t-tests were conducted using SPSS to examine gender differences across selected workload dimensions. The results revealed a statistically significant gender difference in non-teaching contact hours (t = 2.679, p = .009) and overall academic workload (t = 2.417, p = .019). However, no statistically significant gender differences were observed in teaching contact hours, research hours or participation in statutory meetings. The null hypothesis was therefore rejected for the dimensions in which statistically significant differences were identified. The findings suggest that gender equality in workload-based human resource utilisation is not fully achieved among Social Science academics at the University of Jaffna. The study recommends the implementation of more equitable, transparent and gender-responsive workload allocation and human resource management practices within the university.