In this unique and lively ethnography of women who sell cars, sociologist Helene M. Lawson and the Oladies on the lotO take readers behind the scenes of one of the last bastions of a predominantly male workplace: the car dealership. Linking the womenOs 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 womenOs studies and qualitative methods.

By Helene M. Lawson

Chapter 1 Preface
Chapter 2 Introduction
Part 3 Behind The Scenes
Chapter 4 En Route to Selling
Chapter 5 Green Pea Counters, Country Clubs, and "Girly" Stores: The Politics of Dealership Location
Chapter 6 Life on the Floor
Part 7 On the Lot
Chapter 8 Pinches, Pats, and Pokes: Negotiating the Hostile Environment of the Sales Floor
Chapter 9 Toughened Up: Everyday Life On the Floor
Part 10 Off the Lot
Chapter 11 On and Off the Floor: Finding a Balance
Chapter 12 Having What it Takes: Who Leaves, Who Stays, and the Potential for Building Successful Careers
Chapter 13 Conclusion: The Sum of Opportunity for Women Car Sales Agents
Chapter 14 Epilogue: On the Road
Chapter 15 Appendix: Fieldwork