A Nation of Women

This book examines the pivotal role of gender in Delaware society during encounters with Europeans, emphasizing the significance of women's roles in shaping identity.

In A Nation of Women, the author delves into the complex history of gender roles within the Lenape/Delaware society during their encounters with European settlers. This exploration spans from the mid-seventeenth to the eighteenth century, highlighting how changing perceptions of gender and identity influenced interactions with various migrating peoples along the eastern coast of North America. Initially, being a woman in Delaware society was defined by participation in essential activities, including diplomacy, rather than merely biological distinctions. This self-identification allowed both men and women to embody the roles that contributed to the community's functioning, leading to the Delaware being recognized as 'a nation of women' by outsiders.

As decades of cultural interactions unfolded, the positive connotations associated with this identity began to wane. The influence of Anglo-Indian politics introduced negative stereotypes, framing the notion of femininity as a symbol of weakness. Consequently, Delaware men sought to reclaim authority by adopting the formal speaking roles traditionally held by women, resulting in a stricter delineation of gender roles. The narrative illustrates how this struggle for gender balance culminated in a complex interplay between reclaiming masculine identity and resisting external pressures that threatened social harmony.

Utilizing a wide array of European accounts, including Swedish, German, and English sources, A Nation of Women argues for a reevaluation of gender's role in shaping colonial interactions. The book ultimately provides a nuanced understanding of how gender influenced not only Delaware society but also broader colonial dynamics in North America.