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The Two-Body Problem: Dual-Career-Couple Hiring Practices in Higher Education
Approximately eight of every ten academics have spouses or partners who are working professionals, and almost half of these partners are academics as well. In fact, dual-career academic couples are so prevalent that "the two-body problem" has become a common way of referring to the situation. Increasingly, intense competition to hire the best faculty forces institutions to assist dual-career couples in finding suitable employment for the accompanying spouse or partner. The authors of The Two-Body Problem examine policies and practices used by colleges and universities to respond to the needs of dual-career couples within the economic, legal, and demographic contexts of higher education. Using data from an extensive survey of public and private universities as well as in-depth case studies of institutions representing distinctive approaches to this problem, the authors find that the type of institution―its location, size, governance, mission, and resource availability―is a critical factor in determining dual-career employment options. The Two-Body Problem describes various accommodation models in depth and provides valuable information for college and university administrators responsible for hiring faculty and supporting their performance.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 5, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 14, 2025
This is a fascinating book. Well written. Considered methodology. A book of well configured and well balanced arguments.
It is important to note that the book was published over 20 years ago. But the shape - and shaping - of the arguments offer value in our present.
The title is terrific. What happens when academics are married - and want to be in work? How is the 'two-body' problem managed - or not? There is a focus on the suite of partner accommodation options, alongside a recognition of nepotism and its consequences.
Importantly, the book recognizes a diversity of partnerships, including same-sex relationships and partnerships outside of marriage. However the stunning part of the book is the assumption that the 'trailing spouse' is not only a woman, but a more junior and inexperienced academic. When the inversion of this assumption emerges - so a woman is the primary hire and the man is the 'trailing spouse' - the resentment in the institution is high. Indeed, higher than if the woman is the trailing spouse.
The arguments in this book are intriguing and important. Academics are odd. Our training is odd. Our lives are odd. Therefore it is not surprising that distinctive appointment processes are required to maintain the retention of the best staff.
A fascinating book. Provocative. Important.
It is important to note that the book was published over 20 years ago. But the shape - and shaping - of the arguments offer value in our present.
The title is terrific. What happens when academics are married - and want to be in work? How is the 'two-body' problem managed - or not? There is a focus on the suite of partner accommodation options, alongside a recognition of nepotism and its consequences.
Importantly, the book recognizes a diversity of partnerships, including same-sex relationships and partnerships outside of marriage. However the stunning part of the book is the assumption that the 'trailing spouse' is not only a woman, but a more junior and inexperienced academic. When the inversion of this assumption emerges - so a woman is the primary hire and the man is the 'trailing spouse' - the resentment in the institution is high. Indeed, higher than if the woman is the trailing spouse.
The arguments in this book are intriguing and important. Academics are odd. Our training is odd. Our lives are odd. Therefore it is not surprising that distinctive appointment processes are required to maintain the retention of the best staff.
A fascinating book. Provocative. Important.
February 18, 2022
After 3-4 years of not making progress on this book, I think I'll finally put it aside.
It's not what I was hoping it would be. As a person in a two-body problem, I was hoping to read more about the experience of the couple. However, this book (as clearly titled), is more about the hiring practices. Thus, it's more from the institution's perspective and how they might choose to do things.
It's not what I was hoping it would be. As a person in a two-body problem, I was hoping to read more about the experience of the couple. However, this book (as clearly titled), is more about the hiring practices. Thus, it's more from the institution's perspective and how they might choose to do things.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews