Crossing gender boundaries: from Lagash to Lowell

Deeply embedded cultural assumptions about appropriate women's and men's work have persisted throughout human history. Embedded in attitudes about professions and technologies are cultural notions of manhood and womanhood. The author discusses two examples, one from the ancient province of Lagash in present day Iraq around 4000 years ago and the other from mid-19th century America. These examples illustrate the hidden dimensions and gendered assumptions that underlay historical processes. They also demonstrate that barriers to change can be culturally mediated by employing effective strategies that balance present needs with prevailing perceptions about appropriate gendered workplaces and professions.