Gender and Labor in the Economic Crisis: Comparing the Great Depression and the Great Recession

This project compares the impact of the Great Depression of the 1930s and the recent Great Recession on gender dynamics in the labor market and the household, and on gender-related norms and attitudes. This involves a mix of historical and contemporary research drawing on a wide variety of sources, both quantitative and qualitative. 

The research partner would assist me in both gathering relevant materials and their analysis. Experience with the use of statistical databases (especially in relation to US labor market data) is desirable but not essential. The most important qualification is a serious interest in the topic and a strong work ethic. My project would benefit greatly from the involvement of a student both in terms of greater capacity to gather relevant material and as a result of intensive discussion of the material and how best to interpret it. I believe the student would benefit, as well, from close interaction with an experienced scholar.