Social Safety of PhD Candidates: Risk Factors and Strategies

Aim/Purpose
The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that PhD candidates’ social safety is a complex, systemic matter that requires a systemic solution.

Background
Numerous studies and reports highlight that academia is not always a safe working environment for PhD candidates. They, in particular, face heightened vulnerability due to dependent working relationships, temporary contracts, and the often competitive and hierarchical nature of academic institutions. Although attempts are being made to address this issue, current interventions appear to be insufficiently effective.

Methodology
A conceptual, multilevel framework of PhD candidates’ social safety is provided by integrating three major theoretical perspectives: Social Safety Theory, Team Psychological Safety, and Psychosocial Safety Climate. Next, through a non-systematic literature review of studies about PhD candidates’ experiences, potential risk factors for their social safety are identified. Finally, the paper outlines how