Archaeology in Canada: an Analysis of Demographics and Working Conditions in the Discipline
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ARCHAEOLOGY IN CANADA: AN ANALYSIS OF DEMOGRAPHICS AND WORKING CONDITIONS IN THE DISCIPLINE by © Catherine L. Jalbert A Dissertation submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Memorial University of Newfoundland May 2019 St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador [email protected] ABSTRACT This dissertation examines the demographic composition and current working conditions among archaeological practitioners in Canada. Previous research documenting the archaeological population has occurred most readily in the United States and the United Kingdom; by contrast, little is known about the Canadian context. To explore this topic, I executed a mixed-methods research design that gathered longitudinal data pertaining to education and employment in archaeology, administered an online survey to the current archaeological population in Canada, and conducted semi-structured interviews with women currently situated within the discipline. The presentation of a long-term, gendered analysis (binary) of available datasets on the archaeological population revealed that more women are educated in archaeology/anthropology departments but are underrepresented in both academic and CRM workplaces. Using both quantitative and qualitative analyses, these structural data were supplemented and compared with the results yielded through the survey and interviews. While the quantitative analysis of survey data further contextualized these findings and aimed to facilitate an understanding of the dynamics at play in archaeological education and work, the qualitative, thematic analysis of interviews allowed these findings to be explored through lived experiences. By approaching this research through a feminist, intersectional lens, these data were used to attempt to develop relational understandings beyond the male/female dichotomy and explore the social composition of archaeology through other identity-based variables. The results of this study show that these data are consistent with broader literature on demographic compositions in other contexts; while women are entering the field at ii increased rates, they are not retained in upper level positions. Similarly, although gender remains the most discernible variable from which to draw conclusions about the archaeological population in Canada, it is also clear that demographics remain relatively homogenous; education and employment sectors lack diversity at all levels. I suggest that while the data in this dissertation provides a mechanism to discuss how various individuals are represented in the present-day discipline from a more intersectional perspective, additional efforts are needed to further understand and examine how exclusionary behaviours manifest and are sustained in archaeological education and practice. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS When I began this dissertation, one thing I often wondered was whether or not this was a topic people cared about. I believe this was due, in part, to the usual baggage that many doctoral students feel, imposter syndrome, emotional (and financial) insecurity, but I also felt it was a matter of support. This is not to say that I did not have the support of my family and friends, whom are thanked below, but it became clear early on that I found myself without the academic support needed for such a massive undertaking like a Ph.D. I think it should not be understated how situations like this, where you need to consider a new supervisor or possibly even quitting, amplifies the already negative feelings you have about your ability, intelligence, and the worth of your research. Due to this, I spent the early years of my doctoral journey frustrated by a lack of supervisory engagement, which in turn made me wonder if doing this degree was even worth it. Clearly this is problematic, but maybe more so for a research topic that deals with people. But I moved ahead and stumbled my way through until year three. That year was pivotal: I finished my requirements, my comprehensive exams, successfully defended my research proposal, and began collecting my data. I was also ready to move away with my partner from Newfoundland. Two weeks before I was to leave the province, my frustrations with supervision reached a breaking point; I needed someone new or I needed to quit. After this realization and through many, many tears, I was lucky enough to be adopted by my current co-supervisors: Dr. Lisa Rankin and Dr. Meghan Burchell. It is because of these two women that I am even writing an acknowledgements section to begin with. And, I am comfortable in admitting, without exaggeration, that if it were not for their support, I would not have completed this degree. I acknowledge that there is a high degree of self- iv motivation that goes into completing any research project, but it is easier to be motivated when there is someone(s) providing you with the necessary encouragement and feedback along the way. It was Meghan and Lisa’s belief in me and in my project that moved it forward. To Lisa, thank you for always being in my corner. We first met when I was accepted into the department in 2007 for my Master’s. Through our interactions when you were Graduate Coordinator and Head of Department, as a student in your classes, and then supervision, and even just having a beer at Ben’s, your knowledge and guidance was integral to my success. To Meghan, I first want to thank you for the passion and support you showed for my topic and me. I always appreciated your spirited emails and the lively exchanges that would sometimes ensue. Thank you for showing me the rights and wrongs of data dissemination and helping me take the “disco” out of this dissertation. Thanks to both of you for providing me with excellent, constructive criticism (usually peppered with funny stories and comments) that made my research stronger. And finally, thank you for providing me with sorely needed encouragement, strength, guidance, and mentorship. I hope I can one day show someone else the support you have shown me. This project was also greatly enhanced by the support of my committee members, Dr. Sonja Boon and Dr. Marica Cassis. To Sonja, I felt like a stray coming to your door in the Department of Gender Studies and I am forever grateful that you agreed to serve on my committee. Your expertise and insight helped me to engage with new (to me) ideas and concepts that were key to how this project developed and will continue to influence how I view the discipline of archaeology in all its forms. To Marica, thank you for your advice and guidance along the way and our chats over coffee. Your understanding and v emotional support helped me through some hard times when I couldn’t see a way forward. To both of you, your comments on my dissertation were invaluable and your advice has helped me begin to think through future directions for this research and how to better own my contributions! This dissertation research also benefitted from a wonderful examination committee: Dr. Katherine Cook, Dr. Véronique Forbes, and Dr. Shannon Lewis-Simpson. I never thought I would say this, but you made the oral defence process a pleasure and I appreciated the opportunity to share my research with you. A special thanks to each of you for your thoughtful and insightful comments on my examination reports. Finishing this degree would not have been possible without the love and support of my parents, Barbara and Patrick, and my brother, Patrick. You might not have always known what I was actually doing, but I appreciate your patience with me over the years as I worked toward this goal. And for not asking me how it was going all the time! To my partner Stewart, you have only ever known me as someone working on their dissertation and somehow this has not sent you running in the opposite direction. Thank you for supporting me through the ups and downs, loving me unconditionally, and supplying me with the required snacks to get the job done. You are my biggest fan. To my best friend, Amy, thank you for finishing your dissertation first so you were fully equipped to talk me off the ledge many times. I could not have done it without you and your friendship. I am ready for retirement whenever you are. To Lori and Maria for being the funniest and kindest Newfoundlanders I know…or will ever know! I cannot wait until we are making each other laugh over drinks again soon, perhaps at a cabin or beach resort? Of course, my emotional support was greatly aided through affection from my beloved pets, Willie vi and Beau. Thank you for letting me give you cuddles when I needed it the most, usually when I was at my lowest (i.e., eating more mini M&M’s than should be humanly possible and binge-watching Netflix). To Liz (PK), we might not always get the chance to chat as often as we would like but I love you and know you’re always there for me. To other friends I met along the way, Kiara, Kat, Abdullah, Emma, Nate, and others, you all supported me at different times with your friendship and I hope our paths cross again one day soon. I would also like to thank Dr. Jon Lohse for his thoughtfulness toward my situation when we worked together at Moore Archaeological/Coastal Environments. You provided me with opportunities to develop and participate in interesting and fulfilling projects as I worked to achieve a balance between my thesis and my working life. I am thankful to know you. For help with data gathering from provincial agencies, I would like to thank Martina Purdon and Todd Kristensen of the Archaeological Survey, Alberta Culture and Tourism, Nathan Friesen of Saskatchewan Parks, Culture, and Sport, Jeff Hunston and Greg Hare of the Yukon Culture Services Branch, Sean Weseloh McKeane of Communities, Culture and Heritage, Nova Scotia, Glen McKay of Cultural Places, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Stephen Hull of the Provincial Archaeology Office, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Tarah Hill, Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Sport in Ontario.