Masters and servants 1

I was delighted to read the article about Elizabeth Hoult's paper, the presentation of which I chaired at the Society for Research into Higher Education conference in South Wales ("Let feminine side of learning thrive", 10 December). I was also pleased to read Sue Jackson's letter in support (17 December), arguing that women must learn to resist, challenge and reconstruct academic discourse. How ironic, then, that Jackson signs her letter "pro vice-master for learning and teaching" without any hint of challenge or resistance.

Miriam David, Professor of sociology of education, Institute of Education, University of London.