Analysis of female labor on capital in the 1880 Census

Authors

• Sheriden Southworth, St. John Fisher University
• Caitlin Keating, St. John Fisher University
• Jinyan Chang, St. John Fisher UniversityFollow

Document Type

Poster Presentation

Publication Date

4-17-2026

Keywords

fsc2026

Abstract

Research question:

In which industries was female labor most prevalent, and did these industries exhibit different capital structures than male-dominated ones?

Historical context:

Significant changes in female participation in the labor force occurred especially in manufacturing. The female labor force was primarily centered around pre existing gender norms. Thus we expect high ratios of female workers in these areas (textiles, garments, shoes light manufacturing). Gender segregation is still expected in industries shaped by technology and physical labor as these areas need physical strength and skill which women were perceived to lack.

Comments

Student poster presented at the 2026 Fisher Showcase, St. John Fisher University, April 17, 2026

Econ 314 Class Project: Inside the 1850 Factories: An Empirical Group Project of U.S. Manufacturing by Econ 314 Class (Group7)

Publication Information

Southworth, Sheriden; Keating, Caitlin; and Chang, Jinyan, "Analysis of female labor on capital in the 1880 Census" (2026). Fisher Showcase 2026. Paper 26.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/fsc2026/26

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