To answer H-Ann’s initial query, though, I think (as perhaps we all do here) that ambition becomes disloyalty whenever it is gendered female, or marked as racially distinctive. I’ve never seen a white dude have to apologize for exploring an opportunity somewhere else, though weirdly, I have seen white dudes who refuse to look outside of their home turf for opportunity called meek. All sorts of domestic metaphors in play here, no?

The idea that individuals act to improve their own personal circumstances still doesn’t apply to women, who are regarded as property, the instruments of others. I imagine Cardoza’s plans for herself sincerely shocked Rossiter. It’s as if your toaster decided you’d placed it on the wrong side of the counter, too close to the oven for its comfort, and tried to move itself to the cooler side of your kitchen.

Personally, I’ve received nothing but support re: another job offer. My chair’s first question was: “What isn’t making you happy here and what can we do about it?” And then she listened to my answer. She was a very good chair.

On the other hand, in the academy as a whole, this is one of the many things that results in female professor’s considerably lower salaries at most institutions. Women correctly perceive that they will be punished for seeking out career advancement, something that happens much less frequently to their male colleagues.

Is Cardoza’s experience more typical than exceptional? I’ve always chalked up most whinging about being “outed” as on the market as just whinging.