I have been thinking about the complexities of the Association of Business Schools’ Academic Journal Quality Guide Version 4. This is the list favoured by the association that ranks (from 0 to 4 stars) journals with research relevance and impact across various disciplines, such as management, geography and sociology.
Whatever you may think of the pros and cons of journal listings, the vagaries of criteria for inclusion or the value of the metrics that go into constructing them, gender is largely neglected by the ABS ranking. It lists only two journals on the subject: Gender in Management: An International Journal (accorded a 0 ranking) and Gender, Work & Organization (a 3-star publication).
Why are only two gender-based journals on the list? It seems that the association believes that gender studies does not merit a separate subject area. This worries me.
One day, I hope there will be better exposure for women’s literature and perspectives on the holy list. I note that a male-only crew edits the ABS ranking (admittedly Version 4 was published in 2010 when two women were among the 14-strong advisory members board). Yes, these are leaders in their fields, but where is a more balanced voice or input of equally professional women, and should there be a place for gender-based outputs?
Perhaps this will change in time for the next research excellence framework cycle. In the meantime, I will continue to reflect and fret.
Mariann Hardey
Lecturer in marketing
Durham University