Women in archaeology face similar barriers as in other fields, including physical disadvantages and political difficulties. However, most jobs offer equal opportunities for both genders. Women have played an important role in archaeology throughout history and should be encouraged to overcome challenges in the field.
It is a rather unfortunate fact that women in archeology still face many of the same barriers as women in other fields. While there are certain employment circumstances that may favor men or women, most jobs offer equal employment opportunities for both genders. Furthermore, women throughout recent history have proven the antiquated notion that “men are better at work” wrong. Even as such beliefs, which contribute to sexism in the workplace, are declining, there are still many obstacles preventing women archaeologists from realizing their potential. Among these constraints are political difficulties and physical disadvantages on the ground.
Archeology by definition is the study of ancient artifacts that give rise to information about past societies. Such artifacts can exist as buildings, locomotive devices, or even the skeletons of formerly living creatures. Archeology is the physical backbone of history, answering many old questions and causing those working in the field to ask even more. Women in archeology have played an important role throughout history, assisting and driving many important discoveries. One challenge faced by women is a physical disadvantage.
While some women are in much better shape than most men, in general, male humans tend to be physically stronger and larger in nature. This can be an advantage in archeology as digging and using equipment requires great strength, size and endurance. While machines can do much of the large debris removal needed in archeology, most fine dirt and sediments must be removed with fine tools or even by hand. This requires repetitive action, which can certainly cause fatigue in a weak hand, for example.
The political difficulties facing professional women largely depend on the area in which they are building their career. The hardworking nature of archeology has given this field a more masculine undertone than it perhaps deserves. There are many successful female archaeologists who have intentionally or unintentionally worked to free this discipline from such an inaccurate and presumptuous tag.
Any woman hoping to enter the exciting field of archeology shouldn’t be intimidated, but rather go forward boldly hoping to overcome these typical challenges. Women in archeology are very important to the continued advancement and future of the field and should therefore be encouraged rather than discouraged. It is hoped that their continued success will enable the field of archeology to bring ever more exciting discoveries forward for centuries to come.
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