Associations between Historic Nursing Uniforms and Prevailing Fashion Modes

Associations between Historic Nursing Uniforms and Prevailing Fashion Modes

Wednesday, May 8, 201312:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M.  de Witt Hall

2013 Joan Weiler Arnow Professor Lecture: Associations between Historic Nursing Uniforms and Prevailing Fashion Modes

Jill Carey, Joan Weiler Arnow '49 Professor and Associate Professor of Fashion
May 8, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
de Witt
Light Lunch Served

This research study centers on the symbolic evolution of standardized nursing attire as a means of exploring the rise and fall of uniform culture including varied perceptions of women within the fashion arena. The evolution of nurses' uniforms can be used as a lens through which to discover connections between female identity and societal dress codes. During the formative stage of the healing arts, non-secular women such as Jeanne Mance wore traditional religious attire in the 17th century, which provided an acceptable barrier between caretaker and patient. As western society progressed through industrialization toward modernity, nursing attire advanced into a means of classifying educational level, status, and professional association. Important historical figures such as Florence Nightingale, Clara Barton, and Mary Seacole emerged, providing a platform for women who were taking an increasing role in the evolving field of health care. As a result, connections between working apparel and fashion modes became increasingly significant regarding female cultural mobility within a demanding and valued vocation.