Tag Archives: 19th century watch-women

When Death Was “Woman’s Work”

In 19th century America, women cared for both the dying and the dead

Throughout most of modern history, caring for the sick has been “woman’s work.” Doctors — almost exclusively men — formulated diagnoses, dictated orders and performed surgeries. But the hands-on care of the ill and infirm was almost always a woman’s … Continue reading

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