‘Not to be stereotypical, but .’. Exclusive and inclusive gendered discourses about geology field experiences

Abstract

ABSTRACT Women continue to remain underrepresented in geoscience degree attainment. Several disciplines (specifically geology) require participation in ‘field experiences’ in which students and faculty engage for weeks in a remote location to study geologic processes. Although any student is welcome to participate, studies find evidence of these outdoor spaces embodying a masculine domain. In this exploratory study, we examine the exclusive and inclusive gendered discourses used by 15 faculty and 36 students in the US that describe their perception of women doing geology fieldwork. Using a STEMinism framework, we analyse the exclusive and inclusive gendered discourse as it falls into three categories: natural/essentialized differences, individual preferences, and socialization. Our findings reveal the persistence of an exclusive gendered discourse, yet also indicate that gendered assumptions are being challenged through an inclusive discourse.