Gender in World History integrates gender history and world history by dealing with significant global changes over time, regional patterns of gender relations, and the results of interregional contact on gender roles and concepts.
Now in its 4th edition, this volume explores the rise of patriarchal gender systems and, in more modern history, the gradual and checkered decline of these systems. In addition to the roles of agriculture and then industrialization in shaping gender relations, the book deals with the impact of major religions, imperialism and decolonization, and human rights movements in more recent history. Regional coverage includes East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and Mediterranean, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and the Americas. The book seeks to show how major patterns and changes in the past shed light on current gender issues in many world regions, enabling students to understand how gender roles have varied across the world and over time. This new edition also includes:
- More material on several societies, particularly in Asia and the Middle East
- Greater attention on historical and comparative assessment of sexual identities
- A focus on basic features of gender configurations
- Discussions of more recent human rights movements
Providing a global but succinct overview of the history of gender throughout the world, Gender in World History remains essential reading for students of world history and gender studies.
0. Introduction PART I: THE FORMATION OF PATRIARCHAL TRADITIONS: From the Rise of Agriculture to the 15th Century 1. FROM AGRICULTURE TO EARLY CIVILIZATION: The Establishment of Patriarchy 2. The Classical Period and Early Contacts 3. Religion, Gender and New Patterns of Contact 4. Islamic Standards outside the Heartland 5. The Chinese Influence Conclusion of Part I: The Advance of Patriarchy: Gender and Contacts in Agricultural Societies PART II: MIXED SIGNALS: Transitions in Gender Relations, 1500–1900 6. ARE WOMEN MORE MORAL THAN MEN? Changes in the Western Model, 1500–1900 7. Europeans and Native Americans 8. Men and Women amid British Imperialism in India 9. Western Influences and Regional Reactions 10. Reform Movements and Gender Conclusion of Part II: Gender Contact amid Rising World Trade PART III: THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD 11. New International Influences 12. Global Consumer Culture 13. The Middle East in the Contemporary Era 14. Latin America 15. New Global Influences—And New Resistances: Developments since the 1990s Conclusion of Part III: Gender and Contact in Modern Societies Epilogue: Big Picture: From Patriarchy to New Debate: The Role of Contacts in the Evolution of Gender
Biography
Peter N. Stearns regularly teaches courses in world history and gender history. He has written extensively in both areas, and in related fields such as the history of childhood and the history of emotions. Recent books include Happiness in World History (2020) and From World Past to World Present (2021).
