Mothers, Mentors, and Belonging in the Academy: The Unintentional Legacy of Patricia Richards

Summary

This is an abstract from the "There and Back Again: Celebrating the Career and Ongoing Contributions of Patricia B. Richards" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Mothers in academia occupy the intersection of two demanding worlds: the rigors of scholarly pursuits and the responsibilities of childrearing. They face systemic barriers, including gender bias, limited access to resources, and inflexible tenure-track structures. Balancing research, teaching, and motherhood can be a precarious juggling act and women are often told to choose a career or a family. Pat Richards’s unintended legacy demonstrates that women can do both. Pat successfully raised her children on archaeological projects. She embodied the resilience and innovation of academic mothers, and she inspired other women to do the same. This presentation provides an overview of mothers in the academy, specifically anthropology and archaeology. It will highlight the ingenuity and tenacity of mothering during field projects and how women have succeeded through the use of mentorship networks, advocating for family-friendly policies, and challenging traditional notions of academic success. Finally, it will argue that by acknowledging the unique struggles of academic mothers and celebrating their accomplishments, we can work toward a more inclusive and equitable academic landscape. Mothers in academia not only advance knowledge but serve as inspirations, paving the way for future generations of scholars and female scientists.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• There and Back Again: Celebrating the Career and Ongoing Contributions of Patricia B. Richards   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 39551.0