2017 Berkshire Conference on the History of Women, Genders and Sexualities

June 01 - 04, 2017

These case studies, spanning time, region, and religious affiliation, promise provocative exchange around the interplay of religious identities, race & gender equality, and women's activism. Roschel’s exploration of centers, campaigns, and coalitions that aim to eliminate violence against women raises questions about how religious beliefs, practices, and organizations are implicated in intimate partner violence and rape in wars. How do we understand the religious and cultural values and practices that sanction violence against women? How do we situate older styles of collective activism (e.g., YWCA) within current models of activism, especially new forms created by young feminists? Webb’s examination of the divergent histories of the Louisville African American YWCA and the [white] Louisville city association inquires how “Christian” members of the YWCA associations needed to be. The Louisville case study amplifies queries about the interplay among religion, race, and region in women’s organizations, particularly local associations dedicated to national or international goals. Weis’s investigation of the interdenominational, interracial, and international work camps sponsored by the Lancaster (PA) Interracial Council and Lancaster Council of Church Women probes how women activists exercised gendered agency and authority in interracial activism.