Herstory vs. History — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 17, 2023
Herstory refers to history from a feminist perspective, focusing on women's contributions, while History is the study of past events.

Difference Between Herstory and History
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Herstory is a play on the word History, crafted to bring focus on women's roles and contributions, often overlooked in traditional historical accounts. On the other hand, History represents a broad study and documentation of past events, regardless of gender or perspective.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
The term Herstory arose as a reaction to the perceived male-centric approach of many historical accounts. History, in its general sense, provides a chronological account of events, societies, and civilizations over time.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
By highlighting Herstory, individuals emphasize the vital roles women played in shaping societies, cultures, and events. This contrasts with many History lessons where the achievements and roles of women might be underrepresented or omitted entirely.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Advocates of Herstory seek to correct the gender imbalance in historical narratives, making them more inclusive. However, History, as a broader term, encompasses all past events, not necessarily focusing on or excluding any particular group.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
While Herstory is a relatively modern term arising from feminist movements, History has been a subject of study for millennia, aiming to educate people about the past, its successes, its failures, and its lessons.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Nature
History from a feminist perspective.
Study of past events.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Focus
Women's roles and contributions.
Broad account of past events.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Origins
Arises from feminist movements.
Ancient practice of documenting past events.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Usage
To highlight women's achievements and roles.
To provide a chronological account of events.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Inclusivity
Aims to correct gender imbalances in historical narratives.
Encompasses all past events.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Compare with Definitions
Herstory
Women's roles in historical events.
Herstory reveals many unsung female heroes.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
History
A chronological record of events.
The History of this nation is rich and diverse.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Herstory
History emphasizing female achievements.
The museum showcased the Herstory of aviation pioneers.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
History
Past events associated with a particular place or subject.
The museum exhibits the History of aviation.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Herstory
A retelling of history focusing on women.
Her lecture gave us a detailed look into the Herstory of science.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
History
The study of past events and times.
The History of Rome is filled with intrigue and conquest.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Herstory
Historical accounts from a feminist lens.
The book highlights the Herstory of ancient civilizations.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
History
Events leading up to the present situation.
Knowing the company's History helps understand its current strategy.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Herstory
A response to male-centric historical narratives.
The documentary offers a Herstory perspective on World War II.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
History
History (from Greek ἱστορία, historia, meaning "inquiry; knowledge acquired by investigation") is the study of the past. Events before the invention of writing systems are considered prehistory.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
Herstory
Herstory is a term for history written from a feminist perspective and emphasizing the role of women, or told from a woman's point of view. It originated as an alteration of the word "history", as part of a feminist critique of conventional historiography, which in their opinion is traditionally written as "his story", i.e., from the male point of view.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
A chronological record of events, as of the life or development of a people or institution, often including an explanation of or commentary on those events
A history of the Vikings.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
Herstory
History considered from a feminist viewpoint or emphasizing the actions of women.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
A formal written account of related natural phenomena
A history of volcanoes.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
Herstory
(nonstandard) History that emphasizes the role of women, or that is told from a woman's (or from a feminist) point of view.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
A record of a patient's general medical background
Took the patient's history.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
Herstory
(feminism) Any historical writing by or about women.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
An established condition or pattern of behavior
An inmate with a history of mental illness and drug abuse.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
The branch of knowledge that records and analyzes past events
"History has a long-range perspective" (Elizabeth Gurley Flynn).

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
The past events relating to a particular thing
The history of their rivalry is full of intrigue.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
The aggregate of past events or human affairs
Basic tools used throughout history.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
An interesting past
A house with history.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
Something that belongs to the past
Their troubles are history now.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
(Slang) One that is no longer worth consideration
Why should we worry about him? He's history!.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
A drama based on historical events
The histories of Shakespeare.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
The aggregate of past events.
History repeats itself if we don’t learn from its mistakes.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
The branch of knowledge that studies the past; the assessment of notable events.
He teaches history at the university.
History will not look kindly on these tyrants.
He dreams of an invention that will make history.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
The portion of the past that is known and recorded by this field of study, as opposed to all earlier and unknown times that preceded it (prehistory).
In all of human history and prehistory
In all recorded history

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
(countable) A set of events involving an entity.
What is your medical history?
The family's history includes events best forgotten.
A long and sordid history

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
(countable) A record or narrative description of past events.
I really enjoyed Shakespeare's tragedies more than his histories.
A short history of post-Columbian colonization

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
A list of past and continuing medical conditions of an individual or family.
A personal medical history is required for the insurance policy.
He has a history of cancer in his family.
This diagnosis is usually based solely on the history and physical examination, although laboratory tests are occasionally also obtained.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
A record of previous user events, especially of visited web pages in a browser.
I visited a great site yesterday but forgot the URL. Luckily, I didn't clear my history.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
(informal) Something that no longer exists or is no longer relevant.
I told him that if he doesn't get his act together, he's history.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
(uncountable) Shared experience or interaction.
There is too much history between them for them to split up now.
He has had a lot of history with the police.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
(obsolete) To narrate or record.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
A learning or knowing by inquiry; the knowledge of facts and events, so obtained; hence, a formal statement of such information; a narrative; a description; a written record; as, the history of a patient's case; the history of a legislative bill.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
A systematic, written account of events, particularly of those affecting a nation, institution, science, or art, and usually connected with a philosophical explanation of their causes; a true story, as distinguished from a romance; - distinguished also from annals, which relate simply the facts and events of each year, in strict chronological order; from biography, which is the record of an individual's life; and from memoir, which is history composed from personal experience, observation, and memory.
Histories are as perfect as the historian is wise, and is gifted with an eye and a soul.
For aught that I could ever read,Could ever hear by tale or history.
What histories of toil could I declare!
Justly Cæsar scorns the poet's lays;It is to history he trusts for praise.
No more yet of this;For 't is a chronicle of day by day,Not a relation for a breakfast.
Many glorious examples in the annals of our religion.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
To narrate or record.

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
The aggregate of past events;
A critical time in the school's history

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
The continuum of events occurring in succession leading from the past to the present and even into the future;
All of human history

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
A record or narrative description of past events;
A history of France
He gave an inaccurate account of the plot to kill the president
The story of exposure to lead

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
The discipline that records and interprets past events involving human beings;
He teaches Medieval history
History takes the long view

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
All that is remembered of the past as preserved in writing; a body of knowledge;
The dawn of recorded history
From the beginning of history

Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 20, 2022
History
The past experiences of a person or group.
Her family's History goes back to the early settlers.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Common Curiosities
What is Herstory primarily about?
Herstory is about history from a feminist perspective, focusing on women's contributions.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Why was the term Herstory created?
Herstory was coined to address the underrepresentation of women in historical narratives.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Is History only about men?
No, History encompasses all past events, but women's roles have often been underrepresented.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Is the aim of Herstory to replace History?
No, Herstory aims to complement and enrich traditional historical narratives.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
How is History typically presented?
History is the broad study and documentation of past events, irrespective of gender.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Can Herstory be considered a subset of History?
Yes, Herstory focuses on women within the broader scope of History.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Are there specific periods in History where Herstory is particularly relevant?
Herstory is relevant across all periods, but especially in times where women's contributions have been overlooked.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
How long have people been studying History?
History has been a subject of study for millennia.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Does every historical event have a Herstory perspective?
Potentially, as women have been integral to societies across time, though they might not always be highlighted.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
How can I learn more about Herstory?
Reading books, attending lectures, or watching documentaries focusing on women's roles in history can help.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Is Herstory a modern term?
Yes, Herstory arose from feminist movements in the late 20th century.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Why is Herstory important?
Herstory offers a more inclusive perspective on history, emphasizing women's roles and achievements.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Can men be a part of Herstory?
While Herstory focuses on women, men who have supported or played roles in women's achievements can be acknowledged.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Are there other terms like Herstory for other groups?
While Herstory is unique in its focus on women, there are efforts in historiography to highlight underrepresented groups.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
How has History evolved over time?
History has become more inclusive, diverse, and multidisciplinary over time, embracing various perspectives.

Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Share Your Discovery

⮪ Previous Comparison
Frankly vs. Truly
Next Comparison ➦
Retard vs. DerpyAuthor Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.