Major Problems in American Womens History: Documents and Essays

Major Problems in American History

by Mary Beth Norton (Editor), Ruth M. Alexander (Editor)

This text, appropriate for courses in U.S. women's history, presents a carefully selected group of readings that allow students to evaluate primary sources, test the interpretations of distinguished historians, and draw their own conclusions. Designed to encourage critical thinking about history, the "Major Problems in American History" series introduces students to both primary sources and analytical essays.

Genres: History, American History, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Gender

530 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding text for students of gender studies. Recommended for personal or formal studies.

[Hannah DN · Rating 5 out of 5]

A+ book on feminism. Covers major topics. Isn't particularly compelling in the sense of radical feminism, but it's a good historical guide.

[Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5*

A comprehensive and interesting collection of primary sources and academic essays about women in American history, starting with the American Revolution, and moving through the antebellum period, post-Civil War America, the gilded and progressive eras, the interwar period, World War I, and the Cold War. It ends with an in-depth analysis of so called “third wave” feminists after 1990. The authors explore things like women’s activism (in organizations dedicated to temperance and abolitionism, as well as those focused on women’s labor rights, political rights, and reproductive rights), social and cultural barriers/opportunities for women (Republican Motherhood, slavery, access to the public sphere, women and work, consciousness raising groups, education, marriage, racism, class differences), and how the past can be used to better understand the issues women face today.

It is evident that the essays and primary sources were carefully selected by the editors. Despite having studied marginalized populations throughout American history for years, I learned a great deal while reading Major Problems. I hope for a fourth edition that includes women in “Trump’s America” and the “me too” movement.

Highly recommend for people interested in learning about how women adapted to and challenged gender norms throughout American history.

[Timothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A textbook of primary sources and essays in contemporary women's issues. The focus has become increasingly on the sexual nature of women's lives which is tied to the trend toward this topic in history. In addition, the text has become more pluralistic in it approach to the multiple meanings of what it means to be a women in the United States.