Italian archaeology: mind the gender

Abstract

Gender equality is one of the “Sustainable Development Goals” defined by the United Nations for 2030. Women’s presence in the Italian archaeological academy diminished in the last decade negatively influencing the path toward a more equal gender distribution.

This paper explores this phenomenon by analysing the data for different positions (Full Professor, Associate Professor and Researcher), geographic areas and scientific-disciplinary sectors. A more detailed analysis is presented for prehistoric archaeology. Some quantitative data from the last 30 years are compared and discussed in this brief synthesis.

Results show a very complex pattern with marked differences in the present situation and in diachronic perspective. Despite a general trend toward a more balanced participation in the academic world, the scarcity of women in the researcher position and in the National Scientific Qualification as Associate Professor is a possible signal of slowdown or reversal of trend towards gender equality affecting the new generations.