TAG2019-UCL

This session will be a panel debate exploring gendered experiences in developer-funded archaeology in and outside the UK; a much relied upon sector for paid archaeology work that plays an important role in keeping archaeologists employed and furthering research in our field. Previous TAG sessions and research on feminist archaeology, including H. L. Cobb’s recent studies on gender and diversity in developer-funded archaeology (2012; 2015), have helped to shine a light on the issues surrounding gender in this industry. Gender is empowering but our experiences can still leave us feeling powerless. Women have enhanced and still enhance our understanding of the past, actively contributing as archaeologists in the field and in research for hundreds of years. Acknowledgment of women’s role in excavating the past has thankfully been a popular topic in recent years and is receiving the attention it deserves, but more work can still be done. There are numerous gender related issues, within our current industry, that deserve even more attention. These range from, but are not limited to: sexual misconduct; maternity; gender stereotyping; gender roles; promotion opportunities; gender pay-gap; gendered physical and mental health issues; child-care and many more. These issues can result in many women leaving the field altogether (Clancy et al, 2014). This session seeks to provide a platform to share experiences of gender and power in developer-funded archaeology from around the world in a safe space. In doing so, we hope to raise awareness, provide a support network and demonstrate the need for change.

References:
Cobb, H. L. 2012. ‘Digging diversity? A preliminary examination of disciplinary diversity in UK archaeology’, Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory.
Cobb, H. L. 2015. ‘A diverse profession? Challenging inequalities and diversifying involvement in British archaeology’, in P. Everill and P. Irving (eds.) Rescue Archaeology: Foundations for the Future, 226-245. Hereford: RESCUE.
Clancy, K. B. H; Nelson R. G; Rutherford J. N; Hinde, K. 2014. ‘Survey of Academic Field Experiences (SAFE): Trainees Report Harassment and Assault’, PLoS ONE 9 (7).

Organisers: Francesca Mazzilli; Cambridge Archaeological Unit • Leah Hewerdine; Royal Holloway

9:30 | Session organisers | Introduction

9:35 | Jenny Andrew, Prospect Union | A reformative, trade union approach to tackling sexual harassment

9:50 | Danielle Bradford, University of Cambridge / RESPECT (Women in Archaeology & Heritage) Group | "A Culture of Shame and Silence": Redistributing power in the field.

10:05 | Sadie Watson, MOLA | Personal, Political, Professional: Reflections on a gendered career in archaeology

10:20 | Sara Simões, Cambridge Archaeological Unit / STARQ- Sindicato dos Trabalhadores de Arqueologia (Portuguese Union for Archaeologists); Sara Brito, STARQ- Sindicato dos Trabalhadores de Arqueologia (Portuguese Union for Archaeologists) | Is my gender an issue? An analysis on the Portuguese developer-funded archaeology

10:35 | María Coto-Sarmiento, University of Barcelona; Maria Yubero-Gómez, Independient researcher; Ana Pastor, University of Barcelona; Apen Ruíz, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya; Lourdes López, Independent researcher; Lara Delgado, University of Granada; Jesús Martín, Independent researcher | Dusting off the sexual harassment in Spanish Archaeology

10:50 | Alessandro Garrisi, National Archaeologists Association, Italy; Oriana Cerbone, National Archaeologists Association, Italy; Marcella Giorgio, National Archaeologists Association, Italy; Cristiana La Serra, National Archaeologists Association, Italy | “Italian archaeology is female”: issues and future of a female profession.

11:05 | - | BREAK

11:35 | Session organisers | Discussion

13:00 | - | END