Perceptions Versus Reality: A Comparative Analysis of Gender Equity Trends Within Academia and CRM in California

Despite an overall increase in participation by a more diverse population within the field of archaeology, the essential composition of individuals who hold the high-prestige/high-paid positions has remained relatively stagnant. Although women of color still represent a relatively small number of graduate students, women as a broader category make up the largest single percentage of the student population receiving master’s and doctoral degrees. However, the women who are earning these degrees are not being equitably represented in the higher echelon of academic positions. This article examines data from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Gender Equity Project to distinguish whether women are instead choosing careers in cultural resource management (CRM) focused on archaeological work because of a perceived equitable environment. The results suggest that gender inequity persists in both CRM and academia. How is gender inequity expressed in each environment, and is it comparable? This article compares women’s and men’s experiences within the various job sectors to understand how individuals are differentially affected by inequity. I also focus on how gender inequity is expressed and systematically entrenched within academia and CRM. Lastly, I offer recommendations on how to counter gender inequity and how we can move forward to create a more equitable environment within our institutions.