In times of climate change- who is doing what and why? A study of young foresters in Sweden

Keywords: young foresters, #Me-too, climate change, gender equality, forest education
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Saturday
Session Start / End Time: 2/26/2022 09:40 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/26/2022 11:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 11

Abstract

During the #Metoo movement it became apparent that the male dominated forest sector in Sweden continue to face problems with discrimination and sexism. This despite many gender equality interventions over the years. Further, it has been shown that the different competencies needed within the forestry sector are gender coded. For example are competencies to do with bio-diversity, addressing climate change as well as alternative and more climate friendly forestry practices feminized and devalued.
Our aim is to shed light on how a new generation of foresters experience their role in a changing sector where the long standing production focus in forestry is being challenged by the urgency of climate change. Based on interviews and focus groups with students, teachers, university leadership as well as practitioners we discuss how and why responsibilities and tasks within the forest sector is gender coded. This is central to address the above mentioned challenges for forest practice and what this might mean for the possibilities for reaching the goals of a more gender equal and inclusive forest sector.
On the one hand we see how the forest education is permeated with masculinised norms of who the forester is, and how these norms reproduces a culture of silence where change seems difficult. On the other hand, we see how young female students challenge this culture and their own future role in the forest sector.