Gender and Archaeology: Contesting the Past

The study of gender in past societies has emerged over the last two decades and has illuminated the work of archaeologists. This volume critically reviews the development of this key topic internationally, across a range of periods and material culture. The authoress explores the significance of the feminist epistemologies. She shows the unique perspective that gender archaeology can bring to bear on issues such as division of labour and the life course. She examines issues of sexuality, and the embodiment of sexual identity. A substantial case study of gender space and metaphor in the medieval English castle is used to draw together and illustrate these issues. It is a comprehensive, accessible, and critical survey of this key area. Through its lucid discussion of masculinity, sexuality, multiple genders, queer theory and the lifecycle, it should further debate, and provide a standard introduction to gender archaeology for students.