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. Competition to hire the best faculty increasingly 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. Drawing upon an extensive survey of public and private institutions as well as detailed case studies of institutions taking distinctive approaches to this problem, the authors find that type of institution - 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.

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