This absorbing Women's Proper A History of Changing Ideals and Practices, 1870 to the Present is required reading. Sheila Rothman has written an absorbing book on changing concepts and patterns of womenhood in the United States since the Civil War. This book is z must read for those seriously interested in the cultural history of American women and the debate over feminism today.
read in grad school; skimmed for thesis. Has helpful sections regarding the definition of women's roles in the early 20th century (for literature review)