This new edition of the first comprehensive feminist, theoretical synthesis of the archaeological work on gender
reflects the extensive changes in the study of gender and archaeology over the past 8 years. New issues--such as
sexuality studies, the body, children, and feminist pedagogy--enrich this edition while the author updates work
on the roles of women and men in such areas as human origins, the sexual division of labor, kinship and other social
structures, 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 archaeology in her attempt to understand and change a discipline that has made women all but
invisible both as researchers and objects of research. Honored as a Choice Magazine Outstanding Academic Book,
Nelson's work will continue to be the benchmark for archaeologists interested in gender as a subject of research
and in the profession.
Table of Contents
Preface to the 2nd Edition
Acknowledgements to the 1st Edition
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: The Creation of Power and Prestige
Chapter Three: Interpreting Gender in the Past: Theories and Strategies
Chapter Four: In the Beginning: Archaeology, Gender, and Origins Research
Chapter Five: Gender and the Division of Labor: Interpreting Material Culture
Chapter Six: Households and Domestic Groups: Interpreting Places and Relationships
Chapter Seven: The Larger Community: Power and Prestige
Chapter Eight: Human Images and Ideology: Beliefs about Gender
