Risk factors for the occurrence of sexual misconduct during archaeological and anthropological fieldwork

Abstract

Fieldwork is crucial to advancing knowledge in archaeology and anthropology, but previous works suggests that between 64 and 68 percent of respondents experience sexual misconduct during fieldwork. Going forward, fieldwork must be made safe and inclusive. To achieve this, we must understand why sexual misconduct takes place during fieldwork. We surveyed an international sample of archaeologists and anthropologists (n=300) about their most recent fieldwork experience. We examine evidence for risk factors predicting sexual misconduct in fieldsites, and our findings suggest that length of fieldwork, presence and communication of policies and protocols, and the gender and sexuality of the individual are all significant. In particular, we find evidence for increased risk to nonmale and nonheterosexual individuals. We also gathered qualitative evidence from our respondents, who reported that in some cases they were discouraged from reporting and faced retaliation, they were dissatisfied with the handling of complaints, and fieldsite policies and protocols were not consistently or effectively implemented. Fieldwork can be a high‐risk environment for marginalized individuals to experience sexual misconduct, and when clear policies and procedures are lacking, it can also be a low‐risk environment for perpetrators in terms of consequences. To make fieldwork a safe environment for all, policies and protocols that mitigate the risk of sexual misconduct must be consistently implemented and properly communicated.

Archaeology in 2022: Counter‐myths for hopeful futures

“…At its annual meeting in 2022, the American Anthropological Association—an organization that has largely focused on and benefited from expanding knowledge of Indigenous people—featured the first Indigenous program chair in its 120‐year history (Chin, 2022). At the same time, the association's flagship journal featured numerous accounts of the ways that anthropology reinforces patterns of gendered and racialized violence (Bradford and Crema, 2022; Mickel, 2023), ableism (Durban, 2022), and the exclusion of scholars of color (Mondesire, 2022; Tallman et al., 2022). The point is not that the progressive or dystopian narrative paints the “real” picture of the state of anthropology or archaeology in the present.…”

An Intersectional Approach to Equity, Inequity, and Archaeology

“…Approximately 50%–68% of archaeologists and anthropologists report fieldwork sexual harassment; marginalized individuals may feel discouraged from reporting, and perpetrators have a lower risk of suffering consequences (Bradford and Crema 2022; Coto-Sarmiento et al 2020; Hodgetts et al 2020). Field directors should have a clear sexual harassment policy, with expectations communicated to team members before the field season (Bradford and Crema 2022). Colaninno and colleagues (2020, 2021) provide guidance for creating a harassment- and assault-free field school environment.…”