WOMEN IN FORESTRY, A VALUABLE ASSET OR BODIES OUT OF PLACE?

Abstract

This thesis investigates what it can mean to be a woman in forestry in Jönköping County. It asks how the participant experience their situation as women in forestry and what gendered power structures appear in their stories. Additionally, the thesis analyses how the “Forest Strategy for Småland”, by Jönköping County Council, perceives and recreates the understanding of gender equality.The analysis is based on Puwars theories of gendered bodies in spaces not created for them; called “bodies out of place”. Additionally, the analysis focalises social reproduction theory by Battacharya, research on policy making by Alnebratt and Rönnblom, and research on gender in forestry by Andersson and Lidestav, among others. Through reflexive in-depth interviews with 8 participants, the thesis shows how the gendered structures of forestry are recreated in everyday work life. The analysis shows how the participants must relate to the masculine norm for forestry in their everyday work life. Furthermore, the analysis shows gendered power structures that promotes men over women and exposes women to sexist harassment, but also how women can sometimes participate in maintaining gendered power structures. Finally, the thesis makes suggestions for a feminist and more progressive forest strategy to achieve an inclusive gender equality.