First Advisor
Catherine McNeur
Date of Award
Winter 3-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Anthropology and University Honors
Department
Anthropology
Language
English
DOI
10.15760/honors.1820
Abstract
While all aspects of material culture related to death had capitalist gain in the growing industry of dying in the nineteenth century, funerary and clothes worn during mourning periods, in particular, offer rich insights into the social histories of women. This literature review explores how scholars in the field for women's fashion and Victorian history from 1850's to the turn of the century have approached the history of widow's clothing, integrating primary sources such as fashion magazines and etiquette manuals as a way to chart a path forward for the field. Taken together, scholars' different approaches combine to articulate the complicated lives of nineteenth century women in the United States, as well as show how the garment industry connected into the death industry at large. From nunneries to Chanel, how we wear black today has all stemmed from women's fashion and consumer choices around grief into the turn of the century.
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44753
Recommended Citation
Schaeffer, Sarah, "Mourning in a Material World" (2026). University Honors Theses. Paper 1781.
https://doi.org/10.15760/honors.1820