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Research article2020Peer reviewedOpen access

Persistent norms and the #MeToo effect in Swedish forestry education

Grubbstrom, Ann; Powell, Stina

Abstract

This study focuses on the persistence of gender inequality in Swedish forestry education. The many strategic documents stand in contrast to the experienced inequalities depicted in the forest sector's #MeToo movement. Both #slutavverkat and the open letter, written by female students, describe harassment and sexist behaviour. Theories about the culture of silence and bystander behaviour - are used to analyse the continuation of the norms that make harassment possible. Through an analysis of focus groups and interviews, we identify mechanisms that allow for the continuation of gender inequality. It is shown that strong traditions and hierarchical relations between students have contributed to the continuation of the culture of masculine domination. This culture has been allowed to flourish in hidden arenas such as the student union and social media, often in the form of sexist jokes that have been tolerated. Leadership at different levels has formulated measures to promote gender equality, but at the same time has failed to hear and react sufficiently to discrimination. This has in turn contributed to women's silence. #slutavverkat and the open letter have led to increased awareness, but remaining challenges include the barriers that prevent bystanders from acting in a more prosocial way.

Keywords

Forestry education; #MeToo; gender equality; masculine culture; bystanders

Published in

Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research
2020, Volume: 35, number: 5-6, pages: 308-318
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS AS

      SLU Authors

      • Sustainable Development Goals

      Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
      Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
      Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

      UKÄ Subject classification

      Gender Studies

      Publication identifier

      DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02827581.2020.1791243

      Permanent link to this page (URI)

      https://res.slu.se/id/publ/107267