Ladies on the Lot: Women, Car Sales, and the Pursuit of the American Dream

By Helene M. Lawson

Book Overview

In this unique and lively ethnography of women who sell cars, sociologist Helene M. Lawson and the "ladies on the lot" take readers behind the scenes of one of the last bastions of a predominantly male workplace: the car dealership. Linking the women's own stories within the broader framework of gender and occupation, Lawson presents an engaging and important case study on the impact of gender differences and behavior in the workplace. In doing so, Ladies on the Lot makes an original contribution to the field and will be of interest for a wide variety of courses, including gender and occupations, the sociology of work, the sociology of women, and various courses in women's studies and qualitative methods.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0847698637
• ISBN13: 9780847698639
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Length: 175 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.9" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Received it yesterday ... More than a quarter read ...

My dear GOD!! In just the 'few' first pages of the introduction (not the preface), Helene M. Lawson generally covered a vast myriad of problems women face in the business. The fact that such a book was written to begin with was a total shock to me. It is more than just an overview of America's more detested professions ... It is a portal for others, not involved in the business, to view an everyday 'Lord of the Flies' occurance of imposed, negative psychology placed on women in the business ... Two problems: She puts people into definitive categories - which for the most part - is true. But I have yet to see a 'loose' sales woman to 'sleep with all her clients' ... Although, I hardly am cynical about her research. Second: She has written this book at a time when Saturn dealerships were espousing the 'one price shopping' program. I guess she couldn't forsee this Saturn program dying. They stopped the 'one price shopping' approx. a year (or less) later, because tire-kickers would 'still' want to haggle on the pricing ... Either way, anyone who purchases this book, who has never even purchased a vehicle before ... Would find it hard to put down.

What a breath of fresh air!

What a breath of fresh air!I must admit that I had expected this book to be much like the other sociological studies I have read - boring, jargon filled, and unenlightening. This book, however, is a joy to read and opened the door into a world I had never known about.The use of quotes, the organization of the book, and the gentle guidance of the sociologist/author all combine to make this a rare success in sociological writing.This book provides insight into the world of car sales and the fascinating experiences of the pioneer women who venture into this exclusive male club. This is NOT a man-bashing tale, but a sensitive account of these women and their struggle for financial success and acceptance.In the end I found a lot in common with these women. I respect and understand their lives (and those of their male counterparts) in ways I could never have before reading this book. Bravo Dr. Lawson!