The Role (or lack of) Gender Theory in Portuguese Archaeology

Abstract: 

Gender and Feminist Archaeology emerged, particularly in Western countries, in the 1980s as a reaction against a male-dominated field constantly disregarding gender research. Since then, it has gained much importance and became an important line of thought informing many areas, from research to museum studies, and opening new avenues of investigation. This perspective has offered new and important views that have transformed the way we understand prehistory. In fact, discussions around gender, and particularly feminist theory, have been crucial to challenge Eurocentric and patriarchal assumptions, which were commonly directly extrapolated to past contexts. 

In countries like Portugal, however, where there is a noticeable lack of Archaeological Theory underpinning the profession as a whole, there is a markedly lack of gender studies, and these are still viewed by many as inadequate and unnecessary.

This paper is intended as a starting point for reflection regarding the situation of Gender Archaeology studies in Portugal. We will reflect on the very scarce work done so far and its impact, and on our concerns regarding the ongoing marginalisation of gender in archaeology in general as a field, and specifically in archaeological interpretation. Finally, we will offer our view on the need to pursue an intersectional agenda, and the development of a wider debate that will, at least, begin to open minds for further discussions.