Zahra Khan

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone:
For my dissertation, I conducted a cross-country comparison examining predictors of the division of housework between men and women. Using large-scale survey data, I developed identical regression models for the U.S. and U.K. to explore how gender, national origin, and policy structures influence household labor decisions among dual-earner married couples.

How did you choose your specific area of study?
Being told as a young girl that certain things weren’t possible without meaningful explanations led to discovering sociology through feminist literature. I chose sociology in my early adulthood—around the age of 18—and my interest was piqued as I grew older. Since then, I have consistently pursued sociology. For me, studying sociology was therapeutic; it provided the answers I had been seeking and became a way to make sense of the world around me.

I questioned why women faced inequality, why these injustices went unchallenged, and why explanations were often rooted in religious or patriarchal justifications (“God said this,” “Women are meant to...”). Through sociology, I came to understand that societal norms are not divinely ordained but are constructed by society itself. I learned how structures like patriarchy and institutions like religion perpetuate these norms to maintain the status quo.

While my friends often chose sociology as an elective, for me, it was the primary focus. It was an escape from the inequalities I witnessed and an explanation for why I or other women were treated differently or couldn’t do what we wanted.

Which accomplishments during your time at Mason are you most proud of?
I’m proud to have contributed my unique standpoint to class discussions. For example, in our Institutions and Inequalities class, I shared the story of the veil—how it's often seen as oppressive but, for many, is empowering. Similarly, when we studied women's movements, I spoke about Pakistan’s Women’s Movement. I believe these perspectives enriched conversations and contributed meaningful insights to my field.

While grades and contributions matter, I’m most proud of simply finishing my PhD despite challenges. As a mother, balancing responsibilities was tough—for example, during COVID, with no playdates or in-person interactions, my toddler's speech delay required me to act as his primary therapist. My experience as a mom-student strengthened my time management and problem-solving skills, enabling me to stay committed to my research while being the mother I wanted to be.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career? 
When I started my PhD, I had left my previous job due to a long commute, which I couldn’t manage with a baby. This resulted in a loss of income and a disruption to my career path. I knew that Professor Shannon Davis studied work-family policy and its impact on women’s careers, so I spoke to her about my dilemma. I still remember her saying, “I don’t care where you work from, as long as you get the job done.” Those words gave me immense relief because, without them, I might never have enrolled in the PhD program. This was pre-COVID, a time when remote work was far less accepted.

Shannon, who later became my dissertation advisor, truly understood what it meant to be a mom balancing multiple responsibilities. Her research on inequalities in housework division resonated deeply with me and inspired my dissertation topic. I learned a lot from the books she recommended, and her guidance was invaluable.

During overwhelming moments, I doubted whether I could continue. Shannon was always there with encouragement, making me believe in myself and showing me how to finish. In a way, she fought that fight alongside me.

Another mentor who made a difference was James Witte, who felt like a fatherly presence. He would often say, “I’d give this advice to my own daughter, so I’m giving it to you.” At one point, I even asked him to call my father to assure him I was safe and thriving, which he kindly did. James introduced me to immigration research, statistics for social sciences, and survey research. Without these skills, my professional career would never have taken off.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?
Don’t pursue a PhD just for the title. I recommend it only if you have a genuine passion for learning in your subject area.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?
When I graduated, a recruiter said to me, “Look, you have immigrant status, and you’re a sociology major. I’ll be honest, it will be very hard for you to find a job.” Since then, I’ve made it my mission to remain continuously employed. For me, simply having paid work is both a short- and long-term goal. As immigrants, we often prioritize economic stability.

The application of sociology is important to me. Even if I work for a firm that doesn’t readily apply it, I am committed to using my knowledge to make an impact. My immediate career goal is to establish myself as a successful research analyst, leveraging my mixed-methods skills. 

In the long term, I aspire to use my research to write opinion essays that challenge conventional perspectives, such as exploring why the veil, often seen as oppressive, is embraced by women as a matter of choice. By presenting such paradoxes, I hope to inspire new ways of thinking. My ultimate dream is to see my opinion essays published in leading newspapers. I also aspire to fuse sociology and literature to write stories.