The cultural creation of the feminine gender: An example from 19th-century military households at Fort Independence, Boston

Abstract

While military site analyses are prominent in archaeological literature, the roles of women at military garrisons are rarely considered (Gramly 1978; Faulkner 1986; Fisher 1987; Miville-Deschennes 1987; Seidel 1990; Staski 1990). Archaeological excavation from Fort Independence, Boston, however, reveals that women socialized and lived at the garrison during the 19th century (Stokinger and Moran 1978; Clements 1989). The present discussion attempts to review and reinterpret the documentary and archaeological material from Fort Independence to remediate the lack of information pertaining to women at military sites. Beyond making women visible this discussion will consider gender attributes, gendered activities, gendered structures and spaces, and the differential use of material culture associated with gender. In this way the normative nature of gender roles within the military environment is exposed, and support is given to anthropological interpretations of the cultural creation of the feminine gender.