Women\u27s Roles in Resistance Movements in Appalachia

Storytelling plays an important role in the hollers of Appalachia, however the public narratives we ordinarily hear are imbued with stereotypes and misconceptions. Such distortions perpetuate the image of expendability of the people and remove roadblocks for industries attempting to access the natural resources of Appalachia. Industries have established an institution, and have created the primary labor force in mining, timber, steel, and other extractive operations. The coal industry in particular has driven out many of the other possibilities for work in the area, thus creating a dependency on the employment provided. Visitors, scholars, filmmakers, journalists and the like have both embraced the stereotypes of Appalachian people. Many stories, such as those featuring women leaders, have been marginalized. Women of Appalachia have played a pivotal role in the movements to end destruction and social injustices occurring in the coalfields. Whether in the mines, on the picket lines, or in the hollers singing the songs of change, women greatly impacted the movements for social justice in the coalfields. Many stories of coal mining and other industry in Appalachia highlight the work done by men, but women were equal partners in resistance, and were often found on the frontlines of movement work. My workshop will examine women\u27s activities in resistance movements in Appalachia throughout history and especially highlight women\u27s work in coal mining unions.. I plan to focus on personal context, sense of place in Appalachia, politics, cultural issues and attitudes about women