The Secret History of Gender

Women, Men, and Power in Late Colonial Mexico

Nonfiction, History, Americas, Mexico
Cover of the book The Secret History of Gender by Steve J. Stern, The University of North Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Steve J. Stern ISBN: 9780807864807
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press Publication: November 9, 2000
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press Language: English
Author: Steve J. Stern
ISBN: 9780807864807
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Publication: November 9, 2000
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press
Language: English

In this study of gender relations in late colonial Mexico (ca. 1760-1821), Steve Stern analyzes the historical connections between gender, power, and politics in the lives of peasants, Indians, and other marginalized peoples. Through vignettes of everyday life, he challenges assumptions about gender relations and political culture in a patriarchal society. He also reflects on continuity and change between late colonial times and the present and suggests a paradigm for understanding similar struggles over gender rights in Old Regime societies in Europe and the Americas.

Stern pursues three major arguments. First, he demonstrates that non-elite women and men developed contending models of legitimate gender authority and that these differences sparked bitter struggles over gender right and obligation. Second, he reveals connections, in language and social dynamics, between disputes over legitimate authority in domestic and familial matters and disputes in the arenas of community and state power. The result is a fresh interpretation of the gendered dynamics of peasant politics, community, and riot. Third, Stern examines regional and ethnocultural variation and finds that his analysis transcends particular locales and ethnic subgroupings within Mexico. The historical arguments and conceptual sweep of Stern's book will inform not only students of Mexico and Latin America but also students of gender in the West and other world regions.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this study of gender relations in late colonial Mexico (ca. 1760-1821), Steve Stern analyzes the historical connections between gender, power, and politics in the lives of peasants, Indians, and other marginalized peoples. Through vignettes of everyday life, he challenges assumptions about gender relations and political culture in a patriarchal society. He also reflects on continuity and change between late colonial times and the present and suggests a paradigm for understanding similar struggles over gender rights in Old Regime societies in Europe and the Americas.

Stern pursues three major arguments. First, he demonstrates that non-elite women and men developed contending models of legitimate gender authority and that these differences sparked bitter struggles over gender right and obligation. Second, he reveals connections, in language and social dynamics, between disputes over legitimate authority in domestic and familial matters and disputes in the arenas of community and state power. The result is a fresh interpretation of the gendered dynamics of peasant politics, community, and riot. Third, Stern examines regional and ethnocultural variation and finds that his analysis transcends particular locales and ethnic subgroupings within Mexico. The historical arguments and conceptual sweep of Stern's book will inform not only students of Mexico and Latin America but also students of gender in the West and other world regions.

More books from The University of North Carolina Press

Cover of the book Let Us Have Peace by Steve J. Stern
Cover of the book Radical Friend by Steve J. Stern
Cover of the book U. S. Grant by Steve J. Stern
Cover of the book The Traveler's Guide to American Gardens by Steve J. Stern
Cover of the book Psychology and Selfhood in the Segregated South by Steve J. Stern
Cover of the book Bringing God to Men by Steve J. Stern
Cover of the book A Different Shade of Justice by Steve J. Stern
Cover of the book Brown's Battleground by Steve J. Stern
Cover of the book Almighty God Created the Races by Steve J. Stern
Cover of the book Latin American Street Food by Steve J. Stern
Cover of the book Conceiving Freedom by Steve J. Stern
Cover of the book To Starve the Army at Pleasure by Steve J. Stern
Cover of the book Belligerent Muse by Steve J. Stern
Cover of the book Down and Out in the Great Depression by Steve J. Stern
Cover of the book Rich Indians by Steve J. Stern
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy