Diane Bell
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Diane Bell is Professor of Anthropology and Director of Women’s Studies at the George Washington University in Washington DC, USA
Originally a teacher in Victoria, Australia,went back to school at Monash University, Victoria to concentrate on anthropology , and received a Ph.D. from ustralian National University in 1981.
She has since written numerous books about Australian aboriginal culture with a focus on women.[1]
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[edit] Secret Women's Business
Bell's first anthropological text, "Daughter's of the Dreaming", addressed women-only ceremonies performed by an Aborigional tribe in Central Australia. She was a key player in the court case surrounding 'Secret Women's Business' on Hindmarsh Island - an island in South Australia which was connected to the mainland by a bridge. The Aborigional women of the area claimed that such a construction over the water was in conflict with their religious beliefs. The court case ruled that 'secret womens business' on Hindmarsh Island was fabricated in order to prevent construction. An inquest (held after the bridge had been built) ruled otherwise.
[edit] Generations
Dr Bell wrote the official Australian Bicentenary book, with photos by Ponch Hawkes, called Generations, it explored generations of Australian women and the changes over the time, it was about ordinary people, included in the book was a chapter about her mother, herself and her daughter. The book was on top of the Australian best seller list for months and in the top ten for a year.
[edit] Academic
Dr Bell has held prestigious positions in USA including being the Henry Luce Fellow at Holy Cross University and department head at George Washington University as well as assisting in administration at Virginia Tech.
[edit] Fiction
Aside from her numerous anthropological texts, and feminist works, Bell has also delved into fictional writing. Her first book, titled "Evil", addresses secrets within the churches and is set on the campus of an American college.
[edit] References
- ^ Bell, Diane - Bright Sparcs Biographical entry
[edit] External Sources
http://www.wisenet-australia.org/profiles/dianbell.htm
