When precisely did the ideas, symbols and metaphors of patriarchy take hold of Western civilization? When were women, so central to the creation of society, moved on to the sidelines? Where is the evidence to support the notion that male dominance over women is a natural state of things? Gerda Lerner's radical review of Western civilization shows that male dominance over women has nothing to do with biology, and everything to do with cultural and historical habits. Dr Lerner draws her evidence from a host of archaeological, literary, and artistic sources, using them to pinpoint the critical turning points in the allocation of women's roles in society. She draws especially on archaeological evidence of the cultures of ancient Hebrew and Mesopotamian societies, cultures from which modern Western civilization has largely derived. This approach enables her to trace the ways in which men and women have been classified as essentially separate creatures - from ancient Greek philosophy onwards - and also to examine ways in which their experience of society differs, through the structures and symbols of class and religion. Most of all, by showing patriarchy as the result of an historical process, Lerner produces an irresistable argument that it can be altered, and ended, by similar means.

Winner of the Joan Kelly Prize for the best work on women's history

About the Author
Gerda Lerner is Robinson-Edwards Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is the author of eight other books.

Reviews
`A valuable contribution to history and women's studies.' Booklist


Awards
Winner of Winner of the Joan Kelly Prize for the best work on women's history.



Book Information
ISBN 9780195051858
Author Gerda Lerner
Format Paperback
Page Count 334
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 464g
Dimensions(mm) 203mm * 135mm * 18mm