PhD Discussion Forum

Wow, I like what you've done badhaircut! That's a nice idea.

I've been chewing the cud a bit since I posted... I wanted everyone's views.

But I do agree very strongly with drwhoknows' view that it doesn't stop at PhD level and that it continues throughout academia. If we apply a procedure/system just to PhD students, then they'll only get bullied out of their jobs when they qualify!!!! I mean it makes it totally useless then, doesn't it?!

It feels like you have to tackle the whole thing.. and that is one, big, evil monster.

But just "walking away" means nothing is addressed and you are partly (by proxy) guilty for the abuse that follows.

Slightly more extreme scenario, but would you advise a young girl who had been sexually or physically abused by an adult to "bite your teeth and and bear with it?" and to "Leave it in the past" or would you want something changed, provisions made for that adult to never do it again?

If you agree that something should be done in cases of abuse, action should be taken for ALL cases of abuse, physical sexual or (in PhD students case) psychological.

I feel sorry for anyone who has had to go through the kind of BS people are outlining in this thread. It's this kind of behaviour which cost me my place at one of the worlds best universities. if anything it makes me ever more determined to get a PhD and have a successful academic career. i qoute an irish slogan: 'tiocfaidh ar la'( we will have our day)

OK, just re-reading my previous remark. I'm not disputing your position - you certainly have a right to be upset. I'm merely trying to place it in the context of the bigger picture that most people pass through with no significant issues, hence no need for a pressure group. However, one slightly less combative approach might be to form some sort of Association of PhD Students which is there to improve the PhD student's experience. For instance, it could appoint a mediator to liaise with universities over disputes etc.

OK, I like that approach.. going to think about going the TES and giving them a story.

I certainly will help, QTPie - both with quotes & also proof-reading. I used to be an English teacher, so will gladly cover your writing back. Hehe.

Sylvester, I think you make a good point. It is obviously an awful situation that QT and others find themselves in, but it is not the norm. I wish you all the best of luck, but I do hope you won't give the impression that all academic institutions are this bad. PhD students have a phenomenal amount of support and protection at my institution.

I hope QT and others can make a new start at a friendlier place - they do exist

I have been thinking of some of Sylvesters points.

I too agree that although bullying in academia is endemic it is not the "norm" in many fields. I saw some people go through their entire academic careers without any such pressure, in the same way I knew people who went through school without being bullied. If you really think about it, there is no functioning context where bullying is the "norm" otherwise that system would not last more than a few years at best.

However, there is a significant minority that ARE being bullied, and by standing by and doing nothing you are complicit in maintaining the wall of silence. By disuading others from action (even under the benign intention of "moving on") it is allowing the injustice to carry on.

We need to have examples of students that have taken on the system, achieved justice AND THEN prospered afterwards. If everyone is scared it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.