DOI: 10.1108/978-1-83742-488-720261002 ISSN:
Navigating the Double Bind: Challenges and Resilience in Educational Leadership
Heather Bailie Schock, Catherine R. P. KingAbstract
Women in educational leadership often find themselves in a double bind, expected to be assertive yet penalized for it, expected to be nurturing yet critiqued for lacking authority. This chapter explores the personal and professional experiences of women navigating the stress and contradictions of leadership roles. Drawing on qualitative data and podcast narratives, the chapter examines how emotional labor, institutional bias, and systemic inequities intersect. It highlights strategies women use to remain resilient, authentic, and effective despite the persistent challenges embedded in educational systems.