The purpose of this study is to explore the causes of under-representation of Global South scholars among academic award recipients. Despite comprising a significant proportion of the global scholarly community, these scholars face persistent challenges rooted in structural, cultural, and individual-level biases. Employing an inductive qualitative approach, this research integrates demand-side and supply-side perspectives to explain the mechanisms perpetuating Global South scholars’ under-representation. Data from semi-structured interviews with award gatekeepers of prestigious academic societies reveal that inadequate institutional resources, substandard Ph.D. training, and limited networking opportunities collectively marginalize Global South scholars by creating a "distance from the norms." This misalignment causes gatekeepers to overlook the unique contributions of these scholars, as their work is not perceived to meet the dominant standards of academic excellence. The study contributes to theories of meritocracy, academic hegemony, and under-representation, proposing actionable recommendations for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in award-giving practices. By addressing the structural inequities in academic recognition systems, this research aims to enhance the legitimacy and visibility of Global South scholarship.
