An autoethnographic account of a pragmatic inclusionary strategy and tactics as a form of feminist activism

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the enactment of a pragmatic inclusionary strategy and related tactics as a form of feminist activism in one university. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses analytic autoethnography. Findings It shows how it is possible for a feminist activist to create limited change in what is typically seen as an intractable indicator of gender equality, i.e. gender parity at full professorial level. Research limitations/implications Analytic autoethnography as a method has considerable methodological limitations although it also offers insights into insider strategies and tactics. Practical implications The identification of such a strategy and tactics may be useful to activists, decision-makers and policy makers with an interest in tackling any source of inequality. Social implications The identification of such a strategy and tactics may be useful to activists, decision-makers and policy makers with an interest in tackling any source of inequality. Originality/value Five tactics, reflecting a pragmatic inclusionary strategy are identified, i.e. provocative misbehaviour; individualised managing management; perverse alignments; resisting silencing and gaining legitimacy; activating latent social movement ties to change national policy.