Gender and Archaeology: Contesting the Past

Is gender determined by biology, society or experience? How have notions of gender and sexuality differed in past societies? Addressing such questions,Gender and Archaeologyis the first critical introduction to the field of gender archaeology as it has evolved over the last two decades. It examines the impact of feminist perspectives on archaeology and shows the unique insights that gender archaeology offers on topics like the sexual division of labor, issues of sexuality, and the embodiment of gender identity. A substantial case study of gender and space in the medieval English castle lucidly draws together and illustrates these issues. Comprehensive and accessible,Gender and Archaeologyis sure to further debate in the field.

Roberta Gilchrist is Professor of Archaeology at the University of Reading, and Archaeologist to Norwich Cathedral.