Fieldwork is often an integral part of archaeology and presents a range of issues that can overlap with other concerns of women in academia more generally. This section addresses the problems of harassment and sexual assault, gender dynamics in field work and other challenges of women in the field.
In one study, 64% of women surveyed personally experienced sexual harassment in the field. Follow-up studies have demonstrated that establishing clear expectations of professional behavior at field sites, making sure a project has appropriate reporting structures, and ensuring consequences for negative behavior can help reduce these statistics.
Summary Article:
“I Had No Power to Say That s Not Okay: Reports of Harassment and Abuse in the Field” Kate Clancy. April 13, 2013 Scientific American.
Studies:
“Survey of Academic Field Experiences (SAFE): Trainees Report Harassment and Assault.” Kathryn B. H. Clancy, Robin G. Nelson, Julienne N. Rutherford, Katie Hinde. July 16, 2014. PLOS One.
“Signaling Safety: Characterizing Fieldwork Experiences and Their Implications for Career Trajectories.” Robin G. Nelson, Julienne N. Rutherford, Katie Hinde, Kathryn B. H. Clancy. October 11, 2017. American Anthropologist.
Additional Reading:
“The Harvey Weinstein in Your Industry” (interview with Dr. Beth Alpert Nakhai). Francesca Levy, Rebecca Greenfield. October 25, 2017. Bloomberg.
“RESPECT: Acting against Harassment in Archaeology.” Kayt Hawkins and Cat Rees. 2017. BAJR Series.