British Women Archaeologists Membership

[oldgirl]

quote:Originally posted by kevin wooldridge

Hear hear.

From my understanding there is no problem with men affiliating to this group. Only that men have no access to the women-only forum. I can live with that.

Perhaps if more men affiliate it might be possible (hint hint) to also start a general forum...

I still want to know though (if anyone out there is listening), can I join on the day at the TAG conference?

Hi Kevin

Sorry I've only just got onto BAJR after a few days off. The launch is intended to be at TAG, so I would guess it would be. I'll email one of the committee and ask!

In answer to the point about men, men are also welcome to join the group (and also the Facebook group), and there have been a number of questionaires filled out by men (which is very welcome). It has been felt that the forum should be restricted to women, as that was welcomed by many of the women who commented. This was supported by the unhelpful comments which were posted by a male member (!) on the Facebook wall.

I'll try to keep an eye on this thread and pass info on when I can!

[diggingthedirt]

quote:Originally posted by amber

Do we really need such an organisation?

I do respect the wishes of anyone who wants to join or set up such a group, and wish you all the best in your endeavours, but I don't think this group is necessary in British or Irish archaeology. Similarly, I can't fathom the reasons why anyone would watch the TV show 'Loose Women', but apparently enough people subscribe to make that a reality. Not to worry, I have equally gendered preferences when it comes to the telly, so were evens.

But this group (I think) is about social justice in the work place, and I can't see how having a womb or a penis makes a difference to realising that laudable aim. Discrimination is a judgement made on an individual based on the preconceived attributes of a group they are presumed to belong to. By separating out gender categories, women are placed on a pedestal, and this locks us into a discriminatory position.

quote:Originally posted by monty

is there a group for men starting ???

Good call Amber/Monty: this move makes no more or less sense than a men's group. Why should we celebrate the idea of one, while the idea of the other sounds a bit... ridiculous.

quote:Originally posted by underscore

yes. i think it's called "archaeology".

Yep, I geddit. Trouble is that is a long long way from my own experience. There are 60/40% more women than men in my own organisation and they are represented at every level. Can you give me an example of how being a woman could stand against you in archaeology? This isn't a reactionary post, I just don't see it - please help!

Ultimately it's much the same problem I have with feminist theory in archaeology, as opposed to gender studies, which would take a more nuanced approach to the social construction of identity.

We are all in this together.

[amber]

I agree with digging the dirt. Yes, I have come across some sexism in archaeology. However, it is comparatively rare compared to the real world and a group like this seems a little devisive to me.

[BAJR Host]

Divisive... not if you see it for what it is... and engage in what people say... and are open ...

You may not have encountered that much sexisim... but does that mean that others have not and is it ok then to have only a bit? Are there not issues that are particularly female in nature?

Nice swing there when your shoveling.. snicker...!
Listen, there is no point giving you the position, as you may get pregnant?
Hi Dave, stop chattin' up the girls.. come over here, got some serious business to talk about.
Ach... you know what she gets like... ay... time of th month...
She's pretty ... see if I can get off with her by the end of the dig...

need I go on....?? A need indeed.... perhaps it is less... but perhaps a zero tolerance... and there is more to it than sexisim... join in... and find out ALL the things.

:face-approve:


"Gie's a Job.."
Prof. 'Dolly' Parton

[monty]

a zero tolerance.......... for both sexes ?? i have encountered as much sexism against males as females, particularly in promotion circumstances...........

[BAJR Host]

That is a fair request... sex, age, or any form of dicrimination...

"Gie's a Job.."
Prof. 'Dolly' Parton

[monty]

i absolutely agree Mr. Host, this problem has been and i am sure still is rife in archaeology..........

[Dirty Dave Lincoln]

I'm sure a lot of us have either experienced or witnessed descrimination of one form or another over the years (I got told once I didn't get a supervisor job because "we only have one woman as such and need more") which is why regardless of wether your male or female we should ALL stand together and try to stamp it out whenever we come across any.A few times over the years i've been told to keep my nose out of a situation by a boss-NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN.
It's everyones responsibility to do something or nothing will change.

[Windbag]

Given that discrimination on the basis of sex has been illegal for over 25 years, has anyone kept a record of whether archaeologists have taken legal proceedings e.g. for unfair dismissal on the grounds of sex? Has any archaeological unit ever been prosecuted for this?

"On profiling the profession", it was obvious that the proportions of men and women in the profession are roughly 50:50, but that senior positions are dominated by men. This is the case for the majority of professions in this country, and the UK has slipped down the rankings in terms of gender equality in the past year.

Personally I don't think archaeology can afford to be complacent on this issue of gender (or any other) equality.

On another personal note, I've not much sympathy for the men on this topic who have complained about discrimination against them. It can happen, but it happens to men a lot less than it happens to women, and the stats bear that out. Form a separate men's group yourself if you want to- I won't be joining it.

[diggingthedirt]

Could we change the question round – are there any instances where being a woman could actually be of benefit to your success as an archaeologist?