In general I agree with Anna's comments on this topic and,
whilst I haven't given them the thorough consideration that
she has, I have a few very impressionistic and unrelated
observations to add:
Surely there is an historical dimension to this debate
which must have something to do with why a career in
archives was considered 'suitable work' for educated women
in an age when openings in the professions were not
numerous. (Echoing what Len said earlier but pushing
the time-frame back even further....)
It would be fascinating to look at contemporary
volumes/directories about 'careers for girls' and see what
they say about the archive profession - go on Anna, I know
there are tons at the Fawcett! A comparison with what it
says in 'careers for boys' would be even better.
There is also the factor of the gendered secondary and
higher education that women have received until
relatively recently (and, according to some, still do). I
am sure there is some literature somewhere on women and
history/humanities degrees!
A lot of the stereotypes about archivists that have flashed
back and forth over the last days (cardigans, women with
beards, etc) remind me strongly of the popular depiction of
the bluestocking/spinster in the first half of the last
century, considered dangerous because she broke with
contemporary (male) norms of the correct female role and was
thus ridiculed. In this connection the 'sterility' of
looking after archival material perceived to be 'dead',
'dry' and 'dusty' is particularly interesting as is the
idea of a somehow 'cloistered' existence.
>From a records/government/administration point of view some
of the recent research on women's entry into the civil
service/local government occupations might be illuminating.
Likewise, the vast literature on power, gender and the
professions must also have some bearing on the issue,
although I wouldn't quite know how to go about making all
the links..... except that Anna's point about ambition
probably comes into it somewhere....
Just a few thoughts.
Best,
Jenny.
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Jennifer Haynes
Archivist
Institute of Education
20, Bedford Way
London WC1H 0AL
Tel: (+44) 20 7612 6063
Fax: (+44) 20 7612 6093
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
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