Controlling the Narrative: A Comparative Examination of Gendered Publishing Trends in the SCA and Beyond

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between gender and authorship in conference presentations and publications as a lens to examine current disciplinary sociopolitics and the relative contributions of men and women in California archaeology. I contextualize this analysis within a broader comparison to other regions, including Southeastern archaeology as well as the North American archaeology community at large. I also examine how occupational affiliation in different sectors of archaeology (including academic, agency, museums, private sector/CRM, and others) bears on publishing trends. An evaluation of publishing trends serves as a means to investigate academic merit and visibility, along with the production and validation of knowledge in California archaeology and beyond. Despite growing parity in the numbers of women represented in professional organizations and presenting research at regional and national conferences, disparities remain with respect to publication in peer-reviewed journals, including in Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology, California Archaeology, Southeastern Archaeology, and American Antiquity. I explore possible reasons for these disparities, including links to occupational affiliation, and conclude with some recommendations for change.