The Two-Body Problem: Dual-Career-Couple Hiring Practices in Higher Education

Approximately eight of every ten academics have spouses or partners who are working professionals, and almost half of these partners are academics as well. In fact, dual-career academic couples are so prevalent that "the two-body problem" has become a common way of referring to the situation. Increasingly, intense competition to hire the best faculty forces institutions to assist dual-career couples in finding suitable employment for the accompanying spouse or partner.

The authors of The Two-Body Problem examine policies and practices used by colleges and universities to respond to the needs of dual-career couples within the economic, legal, and demographic contexts of higher education. Using data from an extensive survey of public and private universities as well as in-depth case studies of institutions representing distinctive approaches to this problem, the authors find that the type of institution―its location, size, governance, mission, and resource availability―is a critical factor in determining dual-career employment options. The Two-Body Problem describes various accommodation models in depth and provides valuable information for college and university administrators responsible for hiring faculty and supporting their performance.

Lisa Wolf-Wendel is an associate professor in the teaching and leadership department of the University of Kansas.

Susan B. Twombly is a professor in the teaching and leadership department of the University of Kansas.

Suzanne Rice is an associate professor in the teaching and leadership department of the University of Kansas.