Resistance and counter-resistance to gender equality policies in Spanish universities

Resistance in academia is a pervasive phenomenon. Gender equality was prescribed more than decade ago Spain, but the problem remains unsolved. Contributing to feminist institutionalism, this paper identifies both manifestations of resistance intended interfere implementation gender initiatives Spanish universities and strategic responses enacted by agents counteract those resistances. To end, we conducted in-depth interviews with female directors Equality Units (EqUs) at six public Madrid. Despite increasing support for equality, research results confirm existence complex web resistance. EqUs deploy wide range strategies neutralise refusal accept or comply initiatives, these are mainly, albeit not exclusively, embodied actions survival. We argue that although limited, specialised bodies’ capacity agency has been obliterated could be used put alternative proactive counter place bring about fundamental change. Overall, findings yield new insights into progress universities.