What can material culture studies tell us about gender roles? How are objects gendered, and why does this change over time? How have individuals constructed their social identities through the use of goods?

Proposals for papers approximately 15 minutes in length are invited from those working in all disciplines--art history, decorative arts, material culture, literature, theory, history, cultural studies, communications. Graduate students are especially encouraged to submit work--we are interested in new ideas and approaches.

All aspects of material culture are being considered here. Possible topics could include:

• Women's furnishings in 19th-century novels
• The gendered associations of Hadley chests
• Men's family heirlooms and traditions
• The material culture of poverty
• Corporate décor and the gendered workplace
• Feminism's impact on the material culture of weddings

If you're interested in joining us, please forward paper title, abstract of up to one page, and your contact information (including your name, affiliation/position, address, e-mail address, and phone number) by November 15, 2003. E-mail submissions are encouraged. Also, please feel free to contact me to discuss ideas or questions.