The Role of Gender in Intergenerational Farming from the Perspective of Legal Practitioners

Abstract

The data set comprises audio files for interviews with six regional NSW Legal Practitioners for a scoping study on the role of gender in intergenerational farming from the perspective of legal practitioners. Discussion focuses on the changing roles on farms, farming as inherently masculine, succession processes and keeping the farm intact. Interviews used open-ended questions, coupling researcher-directed questions with the opportunity for fluid discussion and reflection on personal experience. Examples of questions include: Have you experienced any differences in the treatment between men and women in farm succession planning? What are some of your personal experiences in relation to the legal issues arising as a result of gender and family farms? Do you think gender bias in farming still exists? The interviews lasted approximately one hour each and were conducted via either telephone or video conference. Participants were required to hold a current practising certificate, have at least two or more years of professional experience, conduct their legal practice in an area identified by the NSW Law Society as "regional" and self-identify as having general experience with farm related legal issues. Of the participants, two were male and four were female. The average number of years of legal practice was 24.6, with the longest years of practice being 41 and the shortest being nine years.