Just finished
The Bonds of Womanhood by Nancy Cott. I did read the part on education during my sophomore year for a research paper. I am glad I did read the whole study as it is one of those imperative books that should be read for someone doing gender history
and/or gender theory.
Here is one new thing I learned: Imagery of women in the Christian Church changed dramatically from the late 18th century to the early 19th century. Women were usually portrayed in the image of “Eve” as temptresses, not to be trusted. However, preachers, reverends, and ministers soon turned to casting women as more benevolent participants within their practice as Christians. They turned away from depictions of Eve and turned to other, more complimentary, positive portrayals of women from the Bible to persuade female congregation and general Church member to lead an exemplary (Christian) life.
INTERESTING! A point worth more investigation from my end.
You might, then, want to look at books about the Second Great Awakening and the rise of women’s social activism in the early 19th century, which work together to make that transition happen. Cott’s book is great, but it’s very old, and a lot of people have built on that in really cool ways. You could also connect back in with Republican Motherhood (see Linda Kerber’s book) and move from there into stuff on the Second Great Awakening and women’s activism - all that stuff will connect these strands.
Comment by tanya — May 23, 2008 @ 8:16 am