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The social world of magicians: Gender and conjuring

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Abstract

This paper discusses the relationship of gender to magic. It explores sociological and social-psychological reasons, both historically and in contemporary society, for the dearth of women magicians. Such factors as the social-structural dimensions of the magic profession, the socialization of gender roles in play and communications, the nature of magic, and the role of power and control in a performance are discussed. The uses of magic as a metaphor for an analysis of gender roles in everyday life are proposed in the concluding section.

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Nardi, P.M. The social world of magicians: Gender and conjuring. Sex Roles 19, 759–770 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288991

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