The Changing Role of Women in America: Thesis Statement
Thesis: Women have long been considered second class citizens (if considered citizens at all!) throughout the course of American history. Often dismissed from history books, I feel that it is important to recognize the contributions of women to the American nature. By carefully analyzing important events, I endeavor to draw out examples of how women have helped shape our nation. By looking at gender roles one can determine how these roles played a part in the American society and how they have changed. I propose that women did indeed provide instrumental support in the development of the American nation and that there is ample evidence throughout history to indeed point to their accomplishments. The evolution of gender roles shows that as time progresses people are more willing to accept and honor these contributions to history.
The Changing Role of Women in America: Annotated Bibliography
Baker, P. (1984). The Domestication of Politics: Women and American Political Society, 1780-1920. The American Historical Review, 89(3), 620-647. Retrieved December 31, 2012, from
Baker takes a close look at how the role of women in America’s political systems has changed. She explains suffragist beliefs and why politics was such a radical departure from typical women roles. Politics was essential for allowing for the social welfare of women.
Blanton, D., & Cook, L. M. (2002). They fought like demons: women soldiers in the American Civil War. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press.
This work chronicles the role of women soldiers during the Civil War. Blanton explains that women occasionally disguised themselves as men in order to enlist. The motivations of women to enter combat are explained as well as military achievements and challenges.
Brewer, H. (n.d.). Women in Colonial America. North Carolina State University. Retrieved December 31, 2012, from
Brewer describes how women were instrumental to the success of America’s colonies. She determines that a woman’s primary role was that of a wife and mother however she also assisted with running the home and farm. Women that went against gender roles where occasionally accused of “witchcraft”. This accusation shows the challenges faced by women when they tried to set outside of traditional gender roles.
Cohen, P. (2004). The Gender Division of Labor: "Keeping House" and Occupational Segregation in the United States. Gender and Society, 18(2), 239-252. Retrieved from
This article examines the effect of gender discrimination on labor throughout the course of history. Cohen feels that discrimination has been declining. By studying traditional and non-traditional gender roles, the author is able to determine the role of women in the work force and in their home life. Cohen cites historical examples to support his claim of declining discrimination.
Lerner, G. (1969). New Approaches to the Study of Women in American History. Journal of Social History, 3(1), 53-62. Retrieved December 31, 2012, from
Lerner states that women are often left out of historical writings making it difficult to know their history. She also states that women did not hold a place within America’s power structure. The attention women received throughout history was typically due to their family roles not political, diplomatic, or military in nature.
Scovil, E. (1914). Florence Nightingale and her Nurses. The American Journal of Nursing, 15(1), 13-18. Retrieved December 31, 2012, from
This article outlines the importance of women in the field of nursing, particularly at war. Florence Nightingale is a great example of how one woman can make a big impact on American history. She encouraged women to take an active role in society and use their skills to help others.
Watkins, S. (1988). Women: From the American Revolution to the United States Constitution. OAH Magazine of History, 3(1), 38-40. Retrieved December 31, 2012, from
This article provides an outline for learning about women in American history. By looking at this outline I am able to gain a better understanding of what key concepts are most important when discussing this subject. The article also identifies some of the most well-known female historical figures from the Revolutionary War.
Bibliography:
Baker,P. (1984). The Domestication of Politics: Women and American Political Society, 1780-1920. The American Historical Review, 89(3), 620-647. Retrieved December 31, 2012, from
Blanton, D., & Cook, L. M. (2002). They fought like demons: women soldiers in the American Civil War. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press.
Brewer, H. (n.d.). Women in Colonial America. North Carolina State University. Retrieved December 31, 2012, from
Cohen, P. (2004). The Gender Division of Labor: "Keeping House" and Occupational Segregation in the United States. Gender and Society, 18(2), 239-252. Retrieved from
Lerner, G. (1969). New Approaches to the Study of Women in American History. Journal of Social History, 3(1), 53-62. Retrieved December 31, 2012, from
Scovil, E. (1914). Florence Nightingale and her Nurses. The American Journal of Nursing, 15(1), 13-18. Retrieved December 31, 2012, from
Stockwell, M. (2012). The American story: Perspectives and encounters to 1865. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
Watkins, S. (1988). Women: From the American Revolution to the United States Constitution. OAH Magazine of History, 3(1), 38-40. Retrieved December 31, 2012, from
