An Equal Opportunities Policy for the IBG?Author(s): Peter Jackson, Ron Johnston and Susan J. SmithSource: Area, Vol. 20, No. 3 (Sep., 1988), pp. 279-280Published by: The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers)Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/20002628 .

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279

Observations

An equal opportunities policy for the IBG?

Peter Jackson, University College, London, Ron Johnston, Sheffield, Susan J Smith, Glasgow In his recent paper, David Sibley proposed a variety of strategies for challenging racism and sexism in geographic practice (Sibley 1987). This short note aims to extend his argument by considering what the IBG itself can achieve through a modest programme of institutional reform.

Specifically, we would like to propose that the IBG adopt an equal opportunities policy along the lines adopted by other professional organisations including the Geographical Association's recent initiative in the field of anti-racism (Walford 1985). Before considering the details of the proposed policy, it might be worth reviewing the need for such an initiative. The under-representation of women in British geogra phy, particularly in more senior appointments, was first documented some ten years ago (McDowell 1979) and is currently being up-dated. Ethnic minority under representation is even more stark although there are no comparable figures to those on the gender inequality of British geography. By contrast, the Association of American

Geographers publishes an annual summary of its ethnic composition in the AAG Newsletter indicating the magnitude of under-representation (see Figure 1). Several universities and colleges have already implemented an equal opportunities policy as have both the AUT and NATFHE. On these grounds alone, an IBG initiative is urgently required.

An equal opportunities policy for the IBG should have the following components: An equal opportunities statement indicating the IBG's commitment to equal oppor

tunities and its opposition to direct and indirect discrimination on the grounds of social class, 'race' or ethnic origin, sex, age, religion, sexual preference and physical/mental disability.

Figure 1 AAG membership by minority group 1985-7

Numbers % of membership Category 1985 1986 1987 1985 1986 1987

American Indian 18 23 25 0 34 0 40 0-44 Asian 215 226 238 4 02 3-97 3 14 Black 63 73 66 1-17 1-28 1 14 Hispanic 39 41 54 0-73 0 72 0 94 Native Alaskan 1 1 1 0-02 0-02 0-02 Pacific Islander 5 6 5 0 09 0 11 0 09 Not classified 5007 5327 5353 93 62 93 50 93-23

Totals 5348 5697 5742 100 0 100 0 100 0

Source: AAG Newsletter, 23, 3 (March 1988), based on voluntary replies on application/renewal forms.

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280 Observations

A policy for positive action including, for example monitoring the membership of the IBG and of all appointments to geography

departments in the UK in terms of gender and ethnic origin; examining the publications of the IBG (including publicity material, journals and

special publications) to eliminate sexist language and to propose changes in content/ balance (including actively soliciting material from a feminist and/or anti-racist perspective);

reviewing the internal structure of the IBG (committees, study groups etc.) to consider the need for affirmative action; and

liasing with other groups who share the IBG's commitment to equal opportunities. Having raised these issues through the pages of Area, we propose to introduce a

motion at the AGM calling on the IBG to formulate an equal opportunities policy along the lines discussed in this paper. Those members who will be at the meetings in

Coventry are urged to come to the AGM and support this proposal.

References McDowell L (1979) ' Women in British geography ' Area 11, 151-54

Sibley D (1987) ' Racism and sexism in geographic practice ', Area 19, 273

Walford R (1985) Geographical education for a multi-cultural society (Geographical Association, Sheffield)

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