Race, Gender, and Work

Paper Summary:

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and analyze the book "Race, Gender and Work: A Multicultural Economic History of Women in the United States" by Teresa Amott and Julie Matthaei. Specifically, it discusses why the analysis of women's work in terms of race, class, and history is essential to the study of contemporary work issues.

From the Paper:

"This liturgy is repeated throughout American history through Chicana women, Black women, European immigrant women, and Asian women. White men created the societal rules, and women had to conform to them. In the contemporary workplace, these male-dominated rules still largely govern hiring practices and jobs available to women. This actually began in the 19th century when it became more common for people to seek wage-work rather than providing for themselves on a farm or other family business. Many men began to work outside the home, leaving the tending of home, family, reproduction, and other responsibilities to the women at home, of course unpaid. Most of the companies hiring men (and some single women) were owned by white male capitalists, who hired a majority of men in their factories and offices. Women that could not afford servants took on more responsibilities, while the entire American culture began to revolve around home, hearth, and the women who maintained this domesticity."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Amott, Teresa and Matthaei, Julie. Race, Gender and Work: A Multicultural Economic History of Women in the United States. Revised Edition, South End Press, Boston, MA: 1996.

More papers on Race, Gender, and Work:

• Research Paper # 52729 : "Race, Gender, and the Banking Industry"
• Essay # 137267 : "Illuminating the Intersections of Race, Gender and Class in Asia and Europe during the Seventeenth Century: A Review of Bitter Bonds by Leonard Blusse"
• Analytical Essay # 131110 : "Race and Gender"

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