Individual Presentation or Panel Title

Female Socioeconomic Networks in the American Revolution

Abstract

Women in the American Revolutionary period were not divided between political activists and housewives. The paradigm shifts that occurred with the Revolution can be seen in the choices women made in their daily lives. Further, many of these choices were made under the guidance and assistance of other women. Many historians have discussed the emergence of a new domestic ideal for women during this period. If this is true, what role did women play in defining the terms and parameters of this status? How did this ideal impact women’s engagement with other women? Answering these questions requires a discussion of female agency in the construction of women’s physical space and ideological place in the early American cultural imagination. This project will address major ideological shifts that occurred over the course of the American Revolution through the study of female socioeconomic networks—familial, business, and religious—in New England, from 1750-1800, drawing heavily on women’s personal writings and correspondence.

Presenter Information

Emily Campbell, Hollins University

Location

Janney Lounge

Start Date

21-4-2012 2:30 PM

End Date

21-4-2012 3:20 PM

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Apr 21st, 2:30 PM Apr 21st, 3:20 PM

Female Socioeconomic Networks in the American Revolution

Janney Lounge

Women in the American Revolutionary period were not divided between political activists and housewives. The paradigm shifts that occurred with the Revolution can be seen in the choices women made in their daily lives. Further, many of these choices were made under the guidance and assistance of other women. Many historians have discussed the emergence of a new domestic ideal for women during this period. If this is true, what role did women play in defining the terms and parameters of this status? How did this ideal impact women’s engagement with other women? Answering these questions requires a discussion of female agency in the construction of women’s physical space and ideological place in the early American cultural imagination. This project will address major ideological shifts that occurred over the course of the American Revolution through the study of female socioeconomic networks—familial, business, and religious—in New England, from 1750-1800, drawing heavily on women’s personal writings and correspondence.