Jenkins, Beth (2020) 'Gender, Embodiment and Professional Identity in Britain, C.1890-1930.' Cultural and Social History, 17 (4). pp. 499-514. ISSN 1478-0038

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Abstract

This article examines how the body, clothing and deportment were important elements in women’s negotiation of gendered professional identities, c.1890-1930. To emulate masculine attire or behaviour compromised their gender identity, but to embody traits associated with femininity could undermine their professional authority. Focusing particularly on women doctors and academics, the article argues that by the interwar period some women found it easier to reconcile embodied gender and professional identities, albeit in restricted ways. This was partly because of successes in female professionalisation and the increased visibility of women ‘role models’ which, in turn, influenced the self-shaping of successive generations.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Gender, class, body, clothing, physical appearance, professional identity
Divisions:	Faculty of Humanities Faculty of Humanities > History, Department of
SWORD Depositor:	Elements
Depositing User:	Elements
Date Deposited:	12 Jun 2020 17:36
Last Modified:	06 Jan 2022 14:14
URI:	http://repository.essex.ac.uk/id/eprint/27685

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