This major new textbook explores the relations between gender and archaeology, providing an innovative and important account of how material culture is used in the construction of gender. Throughout this lively and accessible text, Sorensen engages with the question of how gender is materially constituted, and examines the intersection of social and material concerns from the Palaeolithic Age to the present day.

Part One discusses a range of important general issues, beginning with an overview of the recent role of gender and gender relations in our appropriation of past societies. After introducing the debate about feminist or gender archaeology, Sorensen examines archaeology's concern with the sex/gender distinction, the nature of negotiation, and feminist epistemological claims in relation to archaeology. In Part Two, the author focuses on the materiality of gender, exploring it through case studies ranging from prehistory to contemporary society. Food, dress, space and contact are examined in turn, to show how they express and negotiate gender roles.

This illustrated textbook will be essential reading for students and scholars in archaeology, anthropology, material culture studies and women's studies.

About the Author
Jesus College, Cambridge (affiliation)

Reviews
'This book is of the highest intellectual quality, carefully argued in a non-confrontational tone. Sorenson's emphasis on what archaeology can contribute to the social science discussion about gender is a refreshing change from much of the existing literature on the topic.' Elizabeth Scott, Zooarch Research

'For a penetrating analysis of the state of gender archaeology today, and an extended discussion of the ways in which archaeology can best contribute to understanding gender, this book is extremely important ... Clear and cogent, this book will be of interest to all archaeologists because of its emphasis on the materiality of gender.' Journal of Anthropological Research

'This is not just another book about the history or nature of gender archaeology or the problems associated with making women visible in the past. The author addresses these subjects, but also contributes both theoretical insights into defining gender and practical approaches to excavating "gendered" objects ... Although engendering the archaeological record is a complex endeavor, she documents ways in whch it is an achievable goal. Her book is thorough, well footnoted and well argued.' Choice

Book Information
ISBN 9780745620152
Author Marie Louise Stig Sorensen
Format Paperback
Page Count 248
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 369g
Dimensions(mm) 231mm * 157mm * 18mm