British Women Archaeologists Membership

[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.