Ruth Schwartz Cowan
Ruth Schwartz Cowan is an American historian best known for her work on the history of technology and its impact on domestic life. In her influential 1983 book, 'More Work for Mother,' Cowan challenged the narrative that household technologies liberated women from domestic labor. Instead, she argued that these innovations often increased the burden of work for women, as they led to higher standards and more demanding household expectations. Her research has been instrumental in understanding the complexities of women's roles in the home and the social implications of technological advancements.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Cowan's work discusses how industrialisation affected household labour, placing the burden on mothers.
Forget tidings of great joy, Christmas just gives women an endless to do list – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2025-12-07
Ruth Schwartz Cowan demonstrated that Western women in the 1980s were dedicating as many hours to domestic tasks as women did in the 19th century.
“La tarea es infinita, siempre hay algo que arreglar”: ¿por qué la limpieza del hogar sigue ocupando tanto tiempo? | ICON
Spain· 2025-07-01
Ruth Schwartz Cowan is the author who explains the interconnection between technology and social evolution in her work on the history of technology in the United States.
Răzvan Nicolescu, antropolog: „Greu de explicat de ce în România unii profesori insistă să trimită des teme pe WhatsApp elevilor”
Romania· 2025-05-02
Ruth Schwartz Cowan is an American historian who wrote a book questioning the liberating effects of household technologies.
Esta vez, ya está
Uruguay· 2025-04-05
