By the Numbers The Changing Representation of Women in the
Health Sciences The entry of women into professional employment
during the second half of the 19th century is rooted in the
increasingly widespread availability of public education, the
expansion of women’s “sphere,” and the growth of women’s rights.
Nineteenth century reform movements, especially health reform,
played a part in increasing awareness of public health and
social hygiene issues. Teaching, medicine, nursing, and social
reform were seen as natural extensions of woman’s traditional
sphere of influence, expanding the traditional roles of mother
and nurturer. U.S. Census Bureau figures from 1870 to 1920
reveal a steadily increasing percentage of women employed in
professional service: In the decades following Elizabeth
Blackwell’s 1849 graduation from Geneva Medical College,
hundreds of women sought medical training. By 1900 over 7,000
women were employed as physicians – about 6% of the total
number. In some cities, such as Boston, the percen