ABSTRACT
It has been repeatedly stated through history by authors of many persuasions that storytelling is a preeminently feminine occupation. Without specifying the kinds of stories, authors claimed that women by nature and by vocation as mothers, nurses, homemakers, and domestic workers narrate to children, adolescent girls, and their own female associates. Although women may learn stories from their fathers and brothers, and may also invite men to their winter evening work circles for story entertainment, it historically has been their family role to narrate. Women use their diverse kinds of narratives for diverse purposes when addressing their household audiences. In addition to pure entertainment, stimulating laughter, excitement, emotion, or fright, women's stories discipline and socialize children and teach girls proper behavior in preparation for future life-roles as well as comfort adult women in their daily domestic drudgery.
