Sally McMurry. “Women in the American Vernacular Landscape,” in Material Culture, Vol. 20 No. 1, pp. 33-49. 1989.
McMurry’s paper on women in the American vernacular landscape is primarily a review of review of recent contributions of women’s history and the study of vernacular landscapes. She stresses the importance of understanding gender as a critical factor in the social construction of space. In the field of women’s history, McMurry notes that recent studies have examined the ways in which women have functioned within the wider society and within the bounds of culture set by their gender. As a result, more American historians are acknowledging that gender is a key factor in any historical analysis. Some of the major themes covered by recent historians include the relationship of women to vernacular architecture, the role of women in vernacular building design, the role of home economists in codifying and transmitting domestic ideals, and single working women. McMurry sees the need for more studies on residential dwellings other than single family homes, on urban environments, and workplaces. She sees the vernacular landscape as a promising source for women’s history. Accounting for the perspectives of women in vernacular design can elucidate cultural beliefs behind certain building forms. Changes in vernacular forms can be linked to historical changes in women’s experience. Placing women in the vernacular landscape can advance the study of women’s history. [J. Stabler]