Research, rigour, and rape: facing the reality of gender-based violence in academic fieldwork

Abstract

My argument in this short reflection is that, currently, the formal systems and institutional cultures of research organizations enable gender-based violence (GBV) in fieldwork by ignoring or denying its existence. By ignoring the ubiquity of GBV in fieldwork, we are failing to prepare for it, leaving people unnecessarily vulnerable, and making it difficult to address its impacts. I identify three areas that require our attention: silence about GBV increases vulnerability to it, academic success must include safety, and the neoliberal university prioritizes cost reduction over wellbeing. Women, and oppressed or underrepresented groups make unique contributions to academia. Unfortunately, recognition of the unique costs such researchers pay to make said contributions lags dangerously behind. GBV is one example of the kinds of heightened risks faced by academics whose gender, sexuality, race, class, and/or nationality locate them outside of the dominant group in the context in which they are operating. Addressing GBV as an occupational hazard in academia is an essential step towards creating equitable and inclusive institutions.

Keywords:

• Gender-based violence
• academic fieldwork
• safety
• equity
• institutional responsibility
• SDG 5: Gender equality

Acknowledgements

I must express my gratitude for the institutional and personal support of my supervisory committee members, Profs. Sue Ruddick, Amrita Daniere, and Erin Sharpe, our graduate administrator Jessica Finlayson, and Angela Treglia, director of the Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre at the University of Toronto, for fighting alongside me so I could continue my doctoral work. Also, I am grateful to Prof. Rachel Pain, Prof. Margaret Walton-Roberts and all three reviewers who were exceedingly generous in their support of this piece. Specifically, I must thank them each for their generosity in undertaking the labour of providing comments that detailed exactly how I could make improvements, recognizing the emotional toll that writing on this subject takes, and sharing the burden with me.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joanna Kocsis

Joanna Kocsis is community-engaged researcher whose work examines how creative practice can be used in research, policymaking and civil society organizing to build socially just and sustainable cities. She uses art methods to examine the contemporary transformations of urban space that result from the economic and social restructuring of communities impoverished by globalization.