Gender in Archaeology: Analyzing Power and Prestige (Textbook Binding)

~ Sarah Milledge Nelson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

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.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Sarah Milledge Nelson takes on the formidable task of attempting the first comprehensive feminist, theoretical synthesis of the flood of archaeological work on gender. She examines the roles of women and men in such areas as human origins, the sexual division of labor, kinship and other social formations, state development, and ideology. Nelson provides examples from gender-specific archaeological studies worldwide to examine such traditional myths as woman the gatherer, the goddess hypothesis, and the Amazon warriors, replacing them with a more nuanced, informed treatment of gender based on the latest research. She also examines the structure of the archaeological discipline in her attempt to understand and change a discipline that has made women all but invisible both as researchers and objects of research. Nelson's book is a benchmark work for all archaeologists working on or interested in gender and points the way toward fruitful avenues for further research.

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Product Details

• Textbook Binding: 240 pages
• Publisher: AltaMira Press (August 8, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761991166
• ISBN-13: 978-0761991168
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,427,863 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to gender issues in archaeology, January 13, 2000

By	"vikingbob" (Alt Heidelberg) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gender in Archaeology: Analyzing Power and Prestige (Hardcover)

As a beginning (male) college archaeology student, I have not had much exposure to the issue of gender in archaeology yet. When I saw this book in the library, I figured I'd give it a shot over Christmas break. It was not a waste of time. This is a thoughtful and well-written book which points out many obvious (and some not-so-obvious) instances of androcentrism in both the study and practice of archaeology. There are a few places where it seemed that Nelson was about to fall into the trap of gynocentrism which she rightly denounces as being just as bad as androcentrism. However, she usually catches herself in time. I am very glad I decided to read this book, because it has given me a new perspective from which to evaluate the material I will read in the future.