Gender and War: Australians at War in the Twentieth Century

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Gender and War: Australians at War in the Twentieth Century
Authors and Contributors      Edited by Joy Damousi
Edited by Marilyn Lake
SeriesStudies in Australian History
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:362
Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 152
Category/GenreAustralia, New Zealand & Pacific history
ISBN/Barcode 9780521457101
ClassificationsDewey:994.04
Audience
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 1 January 1995
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

War has been a key part of the Australian experience and central to many national mythologies. Yet more than most activities, war polarises femininity and masculinity. This exciting collection of essays explores the inter-relationship of gender and war in Australia for the first time. Traditional images of Australians during wartime show the 'digger' making history in battle, while women play a supportive role as nurses, or wives and mothers on the home front. Yet as this book shows, war offers opportunities that erode gender boundaries. Women may be empowered economically, politically and sexually, while the trauma of war can leave men emasculated. Gender and Warfocuses on women's and men's experiences in WWI, WWII and the Vietnam War. This interdisciplinary collection addresses a wide range of subjects, and promises to change the way we think about women, men and war in the twentieth century.