Finding Gender in the Arctic: A Call to Intersectionality and Diverse Methods

Abstract

The following chapter examines multiple aspects of including gender perspectives in Arctic research. In the chapter I discuss the definition and understanding of the concept of gender, and then move to the concept of "intersectionality" which recognizes the important linkages between multiple identities of gender, race, ethnicity, class, age, and other social categories. I then discuss both the ways in which gender has been addressed, though still minimally, in Arctic research, as well as some of the ways in which Arctic research is itself gendered. I then discuss how gendered perspectives add important insights into understanding security, and more specifically human security, in the Arctic.At the UArctic conference in St Petersburg in September 2016 I was struck, yet again, by the distinct absence of gender data and analyses, even though this conference was yet another arena whereby Arctic scientists could come together and share their continued insights into Arctic societies and environments. Though it would be unfair to claim that absolutely no one included gender insights and analysis into their research presentations at that event, there was no question that gender was not central or key to many or most research projects. Anecdotal observations and discussions with conference participants were revealing, as, when I asked some presenters about gender aspects to their research (in this case education and psychology respectively), they acknowledged the relevance of gender to their own work but did not consider raising gender as an issue in their research and presentations. Their reaction and approach was not uncommon as I continued to inquire amongst colleagues. The experience prompts me to ask, "where is gender in the Arctic?" And does our broad Arctic research community have an adequate understanding of what it means to include gender perspectives in Arctic research?In this chapter I will address a number of issues surrounding the implementation of gender perspectives in Arctic research. I will first focus on what we mean by "gender" and further "intersectionality", that informs my argument. I follow with a discussion about the gendered nature of Arctic research, and how gender has been

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