This handbook explores feeling like an 'imposter' in higher education and what this can tell us about contemporary educational inequalities. Asking why imposter syndrome matters now, we investigate experiences of imposter syndrome across social locations, institutional positions, and intersecting inequalities. Our collection queries advice to fit-in with the university, and authors reflect on (not)belonging in, with and against educational institutions. The collection advances understandings of imposter syndrome as socially situated, in relation to entrenched inequalities and their recirculation in higher education. Chapters combine creative methods and linger on the figure of the 'imposter' - wary of both individualising and celebrating imposters as lucky, misfits, fraudsters, or failures, and critically interrogating the supposed universality of imposter syndrome.

Michelle Addison is Assistant Professor at Durham University, UK. Michelle's research is concerned with inequality and a long-term vision of social justice for those facing the greatest social disadvantages in society. Maddie Breeze is Chancellor's Fellow at the University of Strathclyde, UK. She researches inequalities in universities, including via imposter syndrome, widening participation, and queer/feminist approaches to higher education. Yvette Taylor is Professor at the University of Strathclyde, UK. She is a feminist sociologist and researches intersecting social and educational inequalities, including manifestations of gender, social class and sexuality.