Women in Antiquity: an analysis of gender and publishing in a global archaeology journal

Hanscam, E.; Witcher, R.E.

Abstract

Studies of archaeology publishing demonstrate a persistent imbalance in the ratio of male and female authors. We present an analysis of the world archaeology journal Antiquity using submissions and editorial decisions data (2015–2020). We identify a recurrent ratio of one female for every two male authors across measures including all listed authors, solo and first-named authors, and team authorship. Disaggregating author gender by country and region of corresponding author, however, reveals substantial variation, opening a new avenue for understanding of global trends in archaeology publishing. We also assess peer review and editorial decision-making in relation to author gender, finding no evidence of bias and, using the 2020 data, we look for any potential gendered impact of Covid-19, finding solo female authors may have been more affected than those working in teams. We contextualize the results in relation to initiatives to diversify authorship, including capacity-building programs for early career researchers.

Citation

Hanscam, E., & Witcher, R. (2023). Women in Antiquity: an analysis of gender and publishing in a global archaeology journal. Journal of Field Archaeology, 48(2), 87-101. https://doi.org/10.1080/00934690.2022.2143896

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 18, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Nov 16, 2022
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Oct 19, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 13, 2023
• Journal: Journal of Field Archaeology
• Print ISSN: 0093-4690
• Electronic ISSN: 2042-4582
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 48
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 87-101
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00934690.2022.2143896
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1188838