A comprehensive analysis of research on gender in early societies written from the perspective of a distinguished anthropological archeologist.. .. A must for scholars and students (graduate and undergraduate) interested in how the richly textured analysis of gender is revolutionizing our concepts of the past.
In this volume, Sarah Nelson provides a synthesis that should receive attention as an introductory archaeology text, beyond its obvious use for gender studies and feminist research.
This volume is more than just a helpful review of the classic and current literature on gender issues in archaeology.…Nelson makes the link—between gender roles involved in the development and practice of archaeology and those gendered assumptions that underlie archaeological models of past society—the integrating theme of this volume.
Journal of Anthropological Research
Despite a rapidly growing literature, engendered archaeology remains a misunderstood and marginalized aspect of our discipline. Sarah Nelson's Gender in Archaeology: Analyzing Power and Prestige provides the first general synthesis of this recent and diverse body of research...a good general introduction to the history, theory and application of gender-oriented research...a strength of the book is the focus on pre-historic archaeology and the particluar methodological and theoretical problems of grappling with gender in the archaeological record...the book is a valuable contribution to those who are unfamiliar with [the] literature and want a general overview of the issues...informative and highly readable.
In her book Professor Sarah Milledge Nelson presents recent interpretations and results of other researchers. They are followed by critical reflections and discussions, and the comments are often sharp and cutting. Various aspects on how power and prestige affect gender relations, in the past and present, are explored, and Nelson's critical feminist perspective sets the character through the entire book. Her text, however, not only deconstructive; she offers alternative ways to find new data and interpret old data and the examples highlighted come from both the archaeological and anthropological disciplines.
European Journal of Archaeology - Linda Lökvist
This excellent book provides an overview of the development and current state of feminist prehistoric archaeology… has an immense scope and will probably become a classic in the field.
Nelson... provid[es] a good survey of work on gender, power, and prestige by archaeologist. The strongest contribution of her book is its citing of this work in general issues in anthropology and scientific method: readers would develop a keen appreciation of how validity is constructed—or wanting—in data interpretation. The usefulness of Nelson's lively book extends far beyond efforts to evaluate women's roles through material remains of past societies. Every feminist will find that it strengthens her standpoint.
Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society - Alice Beck Kehoe
I recommend this book to any archaeologist, amateur or professional, and to anyone who is interested in the stories that archaeologists have to tell. At the very least it will challenge some old assumptions, and it may generate much new and productive research in the future.
Mississippi Archaeology - Ann M. Early
A comprehensive analysis of research on gender in early societies written from the perspective of a distinguished anthropological archeologist.. .. A must for scholars and students (graduate and undergraduate) interested in how the richly textured analysis of gender is revolutionizing our concepts of the past.
Despite a rapidly growing literature, engendered archaeology remains a misunderstood and marginalized aspect of our discipline. Sarah Nelson's Gender in Archaeology: Analyzing Power and Prestige provides the first general synthesis of this recent and diverse body of research...a good general introduction to the history, theory and application of gender-oriented research...a strength of the book is the focus on pre-historic archaeology and the particluar methodological and theoretical problems of grappling with gender in the archaeological record...the book is a valuable contribution to those who are unfamiliar with [the] literature and want a general overview of the issues...informative and highly readable.
The Midden, Vol. 31, No.2, 1999 - Diane Lyons
A comprehensive analysis of research on gender in early societies written from the perspective of a distinguished anthropological archeologist.. .. A must for scholars and students (graduate and undergraduate) interested in how the richly textured analysis of gender is revolutionizing our concepts of the past.
In her book Professor Sarah Milledge Nelson presents recent interpretations and results of other researchers. They are followed by critical reflections and discussions, and the comments are often sharp and cutting. Various aspects on how power and prestige affect gender relations, in the past and present, are explored, and Nelson's critical feminist perspective sets the character through the entire book. Her text, however, not only deconstructive; she offers alternative ways to find new data and interpret old data and the examples highlighted come from both the archaeological and anthropological disciplines.
European Journal of Archaeology - Linda Lökvist
Nelson... provid[es] a good survey of work on gender, power, and prestige by archaeologist. The strongest contribution of her book is its citing of this work in general issues in anthropology and scientific method: readers would develop a keen appreciation of how validity is constructed—or wanting—in data interpretation. The usefulness of Nelson's lively book extends far beyond efforts to evaluate women's roles through material remains of past societies. Every feminist will find that it strengthens her standpoint.
Signs: Journal of Women In Culture & Society
I recommend this book to any archaeologist, amateur or professional, and to anyone who is interested in the stories that archaeologists have to tell. At the very least it will challenge some old assumptions, and it may generate much new and productive research in the future.
In her book Professor Sarah Milledge Nelson presents recent interpretations and results of other researchers. They are followed by critical reflections and discussions, and the comments are often sharp and cutting. Various aspects on how power and prestige affect gender relations, in the past and present, are explored, and Nelson's critical feminist perspective sets the character through the entire book. Her text, however, not only deconstructive; she offers alternative ways to find new data and interpret old data and the examples highlighted come from both the archaeological and anthropological disciplines.
European Journal Of Archaeology
Nelson... provid[es] a good survey of work on gender, power, and prestige by archaeologist. The strongest contribution of her book is its citing of this work in general issues in anthropology and scientific method: readers would develop a keen appreciation of how validity is constructed—or wanting—in data interpretation. The usefulness of Nelson's lively book extends far beyond efforts to evaluate women's roles through material remains of past societies. Every feminist will find that it strengthens her standpoint.
Signs: Journal Of Women In Culture & Society
This volume is more than just a helpful review of the classic and current literature on gender issues in archaeology.…Nelson makes the link—between gender roles involved in the development and practice of archaeology and those gendered assumptions that underlie archaeological models of past society—the integrating theme of this volume.
Journal Of Anthropological Research
Nelson (archaeology, Univ. of Denver) presents a lucid, scholarly demonstration of the importance of an archaeological approach to the past that focuses on the evidence for the roles of women and men, freed from the androcentric assumptions that have shaped our thinking. She argues that "a gendered archaeology is an improved archaeology...and one that makes possible a less distorted view." She draws on case studies from diverse cultures in the prehistoric past as she explores issues and topics such as division of labor, women within social systems and in the public sphere, and women and ideology, including a fascinating review of the interpretations of so-called "mother goddess" figures from the Upper Paleolithic. Drawing on the work of many women engaged in gendered archaeology, Nelson does a great service to colleagues and readers by giving much needed attention to the work being done in this field. For anthropology, archaeology, and women's studies collections.Joan W. Gartland, Detroit P.L.
One must applaud her efforts to redress wrongs in our own time, and to rebuild the past by peopling it with women as well as with men.
Journal of Field Archaeology
One must applaud her efforts to redress wrongs in our own time, and to rebuild the past by peopling it with women as well as with men.--Journal of Field Archaeology
One must applaud her efforts to redress wrongs in our own time, and to rebuild the past by peopling it with women as well as with men.
Journal Of Field Archaeology
