Introduction: For this research proposal, I will study the effects of perceived and actual sexism on the upward mobility of women in academia. It is clear that sexism affects the progress of women in many areas of society. The gender gap is particularly pronounced in time-consuming and intensive professions, such as academia. This research aims to explore the causal factors of gender disparities to help develop effective solutions. My research question is: What effects does real and perceived sexism have on women in academia? There are huge disparities between the number of women with PhDs and the number of women full professors. I believe that gender roles within families and employers' perceptions of mothers directly or indirectly affect the upward mobility of women in all professions. Through my qualitative and statistical analysis, I will explore institutionalized sexism in academia as well as how women's self-perceptions affect their upward mobility. I ultimately intend to explore how much of the sexism in academia is real or perceived; actual sexism being direct and tangible disadvantages for women, and perceived sexism being disadvantages for women based on self-depreciation. In my opinion, sexism has been a part of our society for so long that it instills in women from a young age that they will not and cannot have the same mobility as men. This plays a major role in women's lack of upward mobility in academia and other professions. This research is important to society because in order to reduce gender disparities, we must fully understand their origins. This is an issue that affects all professional women and needs to be addressed urgently. It is important to go beyond professional structures...... middle of paper ......ing sexism in academia. Works Cited Ginther, Donna K. and Shulamit Kahn. “Women in economics: climbing or descending the academic career ladder? » The Journal of Economic Perspectives 18.3 (2004): 193-214. Print. Monroe, Kristen et al. “Gender Equality in Academia: Bad News from the Trenches and Some Possible Solutions.” » Perspectives on Politics 6.2 (2008): 215-33. Print.Stack, Steven. “Gender, children and research productivity”. Research in Higher Education 45.8 (2004): 891-920. Print.Valian, Virginia. “Beyond gender schemas: improving the promotion of women in academia.” NWSA Journal 16.1, (Re) Gendering Science Fields (2004): 207-20. Print.Wolfinger, Nicholas H., Mary Ann Mason, and Marc Goulden. “Current Issues: Gender, Marriage, and Fertility in the Ivory Tower.” » The Journal of Higher Education 79.4 (2008): 388-405. Print.