Embodied Histories

More about the book

The exploration of everyday acts of defiance reveals how women in turn-of-the-century Vienna shaped new forms of womanhood. Katya Motyl highlights their rejection of gender norms through behaviors like loitering in cafés and engaging with strangers, which challenged traditional assumptions about femininity. By examining these seemingly mundane practices, the book illustrates the dynamic relationship between gender, the body, and the urban environment, showcasing how these women redefined their identities within a modern, cosmopolitan city.