Femmephobia & the Mental Load in Academia

Abstract In this article, I extend the existing theoretical foundation on the mental load to the realm of academia. Using autoethnographic analysis paired with femme theory (Hoskin 2017), I argue that my experience of the mental load within academia distinctly illustrates the denigration of femininity and feminine traits while simultaneously relying upon them for the success and functionality of the workplace. As a result of sharing these autoethnographic vignettes and highlighting these experiences, I advocate for mechanisms to intervene into these phenomena, which impact the professional climate and experience for feminized academics. Ultimately, I highlight a few immediate practical applications for examining our own work cultures and advocating for cultures that are less femmephobic and which more readily recognize the value and contributions of feminized labor including the critical role of the mental load.