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Abstract

This paper seeks to investigate the role of gender in shaping women’s experiences in Concentration Camps. After decades of a predominantly male narrative, Second Wave Feminism introduced new conversations, asking how biological and social differences shaped unique experiences of Nazi treatment, suffering and survival strategies. The relevance of gender studies has been significantly questioned within historiography, yet I use this paper to conclude that gendered approaches to the Holocaust are vital to broaden and reassess our knowledge of Genocide. This paper uses oral testimonies and secondary literature to conclude that to a large extent, gender shaped women’s experiences because they were vulnerable as women as well as Jews. This paper explores how women’s biological differences enhanced their vulnerabilities, such as pregnancy, motherhood, abortions, childbirth, menstruation and amenorrhea, and how women were vulnerable to sexual humiliation and sexual violence because of their gender. The second focus of this paper explores how women’s pre-war lives continued to influence their reactions and survival strategies within camps, and lastly how gender roles were challenged by women’s sexual agency as a means for survival.

Course: History - BA (Hons) - C1087

Date Deposited: 2023-10-11

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14200.html