Sex discrimination in archaeology

Sex discrimination refers to a person being treated differently because of their sex, in certain situations covered by the Equality Act 2010.

There are 4 types of sex discrimination; direct, indirect, harassment and victimisation. It doesn’t have to be intentional to be unlawful. It can be the result of a particular rule or policy or it can occur as a one-off action.

Research shows that sex discrimination in archaeology is an issue, for example in the provision of welfare facilities, flexible working arrangements and in the treatment of colleagues by others.

This webpage forms part of our developing online resources providing information and good practice case studies to help individuals and workplaces to better support archaeologists. If you are aware of other links we might use or have good practice case studies you would be happy to share, please get in touch at admin@archaeologists.net. 

Good practice advice

  • BAJR - Respect: acting against sexual harassment in archaeology 

  • Sexisim: See it. Name it. Stop it. - Council for Europe

  • Sexual harassment in the workplace: an introduction for archaeologists - this short course has been designed as an introduction to tackling sexual harassment in the workplace, tailored specifically to those employed or otherwise engaged in the archaeology sector. Produced by BAJR RESPECT, with support from CIfA and Prospect Archaeologists Branch, it brings together current legislation and recent sector research, to provide an online CPD resource accompanying the RESPECT Acting against harassment in archaeology guide (link above). It has been designed as an introduction to the key issues surrounding sexual harassment in the workplace, although it is not intended to replace union or legal advice:  a downloadable resource list which signposts to other organisations and further support is also included. A CIfA CPD certificate is available on completion.

  • Tackling sexual harassment in the workplace: employer toolkit - The Fawcett Society

  • The Archaeologist 107 (PDF) - this edition of The Archaeologist includes experiences from individuals where their employers have offered support which has made them feel valued. The case studies cover a range of different initiatives including mental health and wellbeing training and support for staff, support for individual professional development through training, and flexible working hours.
  • Unwanted behaviour in the workplace - this case study has been provided by Protect

Research

Welfare