4 options
The dress of women : a critical introduction to the symbolism and sociology of clothing / Charlotte Perkins Gilman ; edited, with an introduction by Michael R. Hill and Mary Jo Deegan.
- Format:
- Book
- Author/Creator:
- Gilman, Charlotte Perkins, 1860-1935.
- Series:
- Contributions in women's studies ; no. 193.
- Contributions in women's studies, 0147-104X ; no. 193
- Language:
- English
- Subjects (All):
- Sociology--Methodology.
- Sociology.
- Sociology--Philosophy.
- Costume--Symbolic aspects.
- Costume.
- Women's clothing--Psychological aspects.
- Women's clothing.
- Physical Description:
- 1 online resource (175 p.)
- Edition:
- 1st ed.
- Distribution:
- London : Bloomsbury Publishing, 2024
- Place of Publication:
- Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press, c2002.
- Language Note:
- English
- Summary:
- Originally serialized in 1915 in The Forerunner, and never before published in book form, The Dress of Women presents Gilman's feminist sociological analysis of clothing in modern society. Gilman explores the social and functional basis for clothing, excavates the symbolic role of women's clothing in patriarchal societies, and, among other things, explicates the aesthetic and economic principles of socially responsible clothing design. The introduction, by Hill and Deegan, situates The Dress of Women within Gilman's intellectual work as a sociologist, and relates her sociological ideas to the themes she developed in some of her other works. Although written in 1915, Gilman's treatment of clothing and dress remains relevant. This pioneering effort adds substantially to Gilman's reputation as a sociological theorist and feminist. In addition, it represents one of the earliest full-length specifically sociological analyses of clothing and the fashion industry. Ultimately, the author concludes that harmful and degrading aspects of women's dress are amenable to reform if men and women will work together rationally to change the controlling institutional patterns of the society in which they live. This groundbreaking work will appeal to those interested in Gilman, feminist theory, sociological theory, social psychology, women's literature, and women's studies.
- Contents:
- Intro
- Introduction: Charlotte Perkins Gilman on the Symbolism and Sociology of Clothing Michael R. Hill and Mary Jo Deegan
- Prefatory Note
- 1 Primary Motives in Clothing
- 2 Some Modifying Forces
- 3 The Principles Involved
- 4 Physical Health and Beauty
- 5 Beauty versus Sex Distinction
- 6 The Hat
- 7 Decorative Art, Trimmings, and Ornament
- 8 Humanitarian and Economic Considerations
- 9 Larger Economic Considerations
- 10 The Force Called Fashion
- 11 Fashion and Psychology
- 12 Hope and Comfort
- Notes
- Index
- About the Author and Editors.
- Notes:
- "Originally published in Gilman's monthly journal, The forerunner, in 1915"--Introd.
- Includes bibliographical references and index.
- ISBN:
- 9798400642500
- 9780313074318
- 0313074313
- OCLC:
- 70735344
- Publisher Number:
- 10.5040/9798400642500 doi
The Penn Libraries is committed to describing library materials using current, accurate, and responsible language. If you discover outdated or inaccurate language, please fill out this feedback form to report it and suggest alternative language.