ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how the constructed cultural and social relations have led to barriers to women's entry to leadership and to an acceptance by many men and women that the current male hegemony is right and proper. It draws on interviews and discussion groups conducted with Australian agricultural women throughout 1997-8. The historical development of Australian agriculture has been examined, and, in particular, the way gender and power relations have developed to foster a masculinist cultural context. Culture, gender and power are intrinsically bound up in the construction of agriculture with gender being one of the most significant features. Power relations in agriculture are hierarchical and gendered and result in the shaping of agricultural discourse and policy which ignores women's significant agricultural knowledge. Women who seek leadership in agriculture are challenging this power and privilege, and unless they are emotionally strong, need to be very brave when stepping outside these stereotypical expectations.
