Gendered histories, gendered fields: Knowledge production in hypermasculinized research contexts

Doing empirical research in the field of memory studies asks researchers to engage with communities other than their own, sometimes in unfamiliar areas. Such engagements might be welcome and inspiring, but can also be notably challenging. In particular, memory cultures of traditionally ‘masculine’ realms such as war and sports may (re)produce exclusionary discourses in which (gendered/racial/ethnic, etc). ‘Other’ voices, whether those of (critical) members or researchers, may then be ignored or silenced.

This seminar will explore the interplay between gender, memory cultures, and the process of knowledge production within hypermasculine research contexts, drawing upon our own research in historical re-enactment, veteran or football communities. We hereby aim to reflect upon the ways in which our identities and positionality may impact the communities we research, the questions we may (or may not ask), and the methodologies we employ. As such, we aim to analyse how researchers navigate and negotiate their roles in these environments, ultimately shaping the knowledge they produce. We invite those attending to share their own insights and experiences in relation to the gendered challenges and opportunities they encounter within their research.