NOT FOR WOMEN OR WORK ON AN EQUAL FOOTING? GEOLOGISTS’ NARRATIVES ABOUT FIELD WORKS

Abstract

The article analyzes the gender aspect of geologists’ field work. The question is raised about cases of management of gender in geological professions. The emphasis on field specifics is made because the work of geologists in society is associated with uncomfortable working conditions. The appeal to the difficulties of fieldwork is an argument for characterizing the profession of a geologist as not suitable for women. Probably, for geologists, going to the field was a way to satisfy the need for extreme emotions. Field experience is perceived as an opportunity to test oneself in difficult conditions. Analysis of the collected narratives shows that gender was secondary in the field. The primary role was played by the professional skills of a field geologist. Although there were cases of sexism. The aspects of organizing field work are discussed in detail: distribution of duties and selection of expedition members; living conditions; informal practices of free time. The main method of data collection is a biographical narrative interview. Interviews were conducted with field geologists who worked in the northern regions of the country during the late Soviet period. These narratives were supplemented by published memoirs. The research was conducted in 2014–2021.