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Centre for Rural Economy
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Gender, environment and development

Rural business, particularly farming and its associated activities, are often highly gendered.

For example, women play a major role in agriculture, both in the UK and globally. But their contribution is often overlooked.

Masculine interpretations

The masculine nature of the industry also affects the way:

  • the media represents farming
  • representation of women’s interests
  • we market goods
  • we organise the farmyard itself

This has implications for the success of businesses and even for farm safety.

Professor Sally Shortall leaning against a tree

Our research

Diversity is now recognised as being beneficial in all business environments.

We need more research to understand the part gender plays across rural issues.

We need to know how to tailor policy and practice to ensure more beneficial outcomes for both sexes.

Projects

Women in agriculture and rural development, Northern Ireland (2012-2013) - Funding: ESRC - CRE input: Prof Sally Shortall (PI).

Women in agriculture in Scotland - Funding: Scottish Government, (2016-2017) - CRE input: Sally Shortall (PI) 2016-2017 

Changing the ground rules? Inclusive debates about women in Scottish agriculture - Funding: ESRC Impact Acceleration Award (2017-2018) - CRE input: Prof Sally Shortall (PI)