Faith, Fetes and Domesticity in Australia

O’Brien, Anne

doi:10.1080/09612020600938665

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…The Geelong Advertiser’ s reports on the fair confirm this: the women are presented as using the socially acceptable skills of domesticity to benefit the GCFC. O’Brien (2006) states that fairs were considered acceptable philanthropic activities for women because they involved tasks undertaken by women in the home: at the All Nations’ Fair, Geelong’s women could be seen as making food products and handicrafts for stalls, serving refreshments to visitors and providing hospitality at the ball, but they could not be construed as entrepreneurs who organised a major social event, managers who saved the club or accountants who acquitted their financial responsibilities flawlessly. It is not merely that such constructions challenged, and threatened, gender norms: it is that gender norms rendered them invisible.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…From the 1840s onwards, events such as the All Nations Fair were a popular and prevalent form of fund-raising in many countries, including Britain, the United States and Australia (O’Brien, 2006). Terminology differs by time and location.…”

Section: A Philanthropic Endeavourmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This makes it of interest to accounting researchers because it provides an opportunity to explore the historical contribution of women to accounting when they move beyond the male gaze. As philanthropists, women have undertaken accounting work while managing donations, fund-raising activities and in voluntary positions within community organisations (Cooper, 2008; O’Brien, 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Gender construction and the invisibility of women’s accounting activities: the All Nations’ Fair of 1895

Halabi

Miley

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2022

AAAJ

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PurposeThis research explores the historical nexus between accounting and gender to illuminate male hegemonies within accounting. It examines the nature of that hegemony at the boundary between the female domain of household and philanthropic activities and the male domain of business and finance.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research approach is used for this historical research. The primary source was digitised newspapers from the National Library of Australia. Newspapers have been used in previous historical accounting research and are relevant in this instance because they provide the only surviving data about the All Nations’ Fair. Given that newspapers were published daily, the depth of coverage is not replicated by other archival sources, and at that time provided a strong community voice.FindingsWomen undertook the management of and accounting for the All Nations’ Fair, a philanthropic activity designed to rescue the Geelong Cricket and Football Club from its parlous financial position. Despite women undertaking the work, the management of and accounting for, the Fair was attributed to men. This reflects a gendered construction of accounting that overpowers the reality of who undertook the work.Research limitations/implicationsThis research demonstrates only a single example of women’s philanthropic accounting, so is not generalisable. It suggests however that male hegemonies have exerted and continue to exert power over women.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is that historical examples serve as a corrective to histories that have ignored women’s contribution to accounting, particularly in philanthropic activities. The relationship between women’s accounting and gender also has contemporary significance. Gendered disadvantage and subjugation to a dominant masculine hegemony remain recurring themes in accounting research because they continue to impact adversely on the experiences of many women in accounting.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: A Philanthropic Endeavourmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Gender construction and the invisibility of women’s accounting activities: the All Nations’ Fair of 1895

Halabi

Miley

Read

2022

AAAJ

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A well-rounded life: the story of Eva West – pioneer accountant, philanthropist and environmentalist

Halabi

2024

AAAJ

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PurposeThis paper presents the biography of one of Australia’s earliest female accountants, Miss Evelyn Maude West (aka Eva). The paper uses this history sub-genre to understand the significant impacts Eva West made across several fields. Eva West was not only a pioneer woman accountant but also an active philanthropist with an interest in social issues and a nature lover who promoted and encouraged an appreciation of the environment.Design/methodology/approachThe paper leverages a diverse array of qualitative resources, responding to Carnegie and Napier's (1996) call to expand the concept of the accounting-based archive. Notably, rare nature study diaries and a book detailing camping adventures serve as poignant examples, illustrating Eva West's profound social and environmental engagement. Additionally, personal and business letters, digitised newspapers, pamphlets, annual reports, minute books and even poems contribute to the comprehensive exploration of Eva West's life and impact. Collectively, these varied sources offer a rich tapestry of evidence, facilitating the documentation of this unique narrative.FindingsThroughout her life, Eva West made significant contributions as a pioneering woman in the field of accounting, a dedicated philanthropist and a passionate environmentalist. Together, these offer a multifaceted portrait of a well-rounded individual. With a solid foundation in accounting, Eva utilized her expertise to benefit numerous charitable organisations, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Moreover, her deep love for the environment is illustrated in nature study diaries and books documenting her camping adventures, highlighting the interconnectedness between her accounting pursuits and her commitment to environmental stewardship.Practical implicationsWhile previous studies briefly mention the additional contributions of early women to various organisations and movements, none provide the depth of insight seen in the portrayal of Miss Eva West. Rather than critiquing these earlier narratives, this observation presents an opportunity for further research to honour pioneering individuals for their multifaceted roles beyond accounting. Future studies could spotlight trailblazers as accountants with diverse interests and societal contributions, whether in social or environmental spheres. Additionally, this paper demonstrates how archives maintained by individuals, such as nature or travel diaries and camping books, can enrich accounting and accountability-based historical research.Originality/valueBiographical studies in accounting have played a significant role in advancing historical research, yet there remains a call for additional studies to gain deeper insights into specific individuals. Few biographical narratives have explored how accountants integrate their professional careers with other interests, particularly highlighting the well-roundedness of individuals, especially women. Furthermore, this paper contributes to filling the gap in research that examines the intersection of accounting professionals and environmental concerns.

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Faith, Fetes and Domesticity in Australia

Cited by 2 publications

References 2 publications

Gender construction and the invisibility of women’s accounting activities: the All Nations’ Fair of 1895

Gender construction and the invisibility of women’s accounting activities: the All Nations’ Fair of 1895

A well-rounded life: the story of Eva West – pioneer accountant, philanthropist and environmentalist

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