In the opening paragraphs, some quick answers to related questions provide helpful context. There are a few common terms used to refer to female mail carriers in the United States:
Mailwoman
Perhaps the most obvious and gender-specific option is “mailwoman.” This term directly parallels the masculine term “mailman” and makes it clear the person is a woman delivering mail.
Letter carrier
“Letter carrier” is a gender-neutral term widely used by the United States Postal Service. The USPS directly employs mail carriers, so their preferred terminology is relevant.
Postal worker
“Postal worker” is another gender-neutral option. This encompasses any employees of the postal service, including mail sorters, processors, mail handlers, and mail carriers.
Mail carrier
Like “letter carrier,” “mail carrier” avoids references to gender. Many organizations and publications use this term today to be inclusive.
The Evolution of Titles for Women in the Postal Service
Women have delivered mail in the United States since at least the mid-1800s. The titles used to refer to them have evolved over time along with broader societal changes. Understanding this history provides helpful context on modern terminology.
Early Acceptance of “Mailwoman”
For much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, “mailwoman” was widely used without controversy. Society at large restricted women to narrow roles and work. Jobs like mail delivery expanded acceptable occupations for women.
Many communities welcomed their local “mailwoman” decades before women gained the right to vote. While still operating within a male-dominated field, these women delivered correspondence that connected families, friends, and businesses.
Growth of Gender-Neutral Terms
By the 1970s, the women’s liberation movement brought broader questions about gendered language. Forms of address that included “man” became points of debate. More workplaces implemented gender-neutral job titles.
“Mail carrier” and “letter carrier” replaced “mailman” in many official contexts. But it took time for new habits to spread through informal spoken language. The term “mailwoman” lingered despite efforts to use inclusive words.
Ongoing Issues of Gender Bias
In more recent decades, postal employees have continued working to minimize gender bias. Concerns around discrimination and harassment in a male-dominated workplace encouraged further changes.
For example, photographers were prohibited from using images of female carriers in shorts for publicity purposes. Standard uniforms and equitable treatment aim to create a more welcoming environment.
Modern Preference for Gender-Inclusive Titles
Today, “letter carrier” and “postal worker” better match most organizations’ goals and culture. Language impacts perceptions. Using gender-neutral titles reinforces that competence and skills are unrelated to gender.
At the same time, some women personally prefer being called “mailwoman.” Others feel erased or minimized if their gender isn’t directly acknowledged. There’s an ongoing debate around balancing inclusion and precision.
Demographic Profile of Women in the Postal Service
Women now make up close to 40% of USPS mail carriers. The demographic profile of female carriers reflects wider social trends around education, opportunity, discrimination and more.
Growth in Female Representation
For most of the 20th century, fewer than 10% of mail carriers were women. Equal Employment Opportunity legislation increased inclusion efforts.
Hiring women when male staff declined due to WWII set a precedent. By 2020, the overall USPS workforce was 34% female. Among mail carriers, women reached 39% that year.
Female Representation by Role
| USPS Role | Women |
|---|---|
| All Employees | 34% |
| Mail Carriers | 39% |
| Postmasters | 40% |
| Rural Carriers | 45% |
Racial Diversity Among Female Carriers
People of color face additional hurdles entering postal positions. Black women represent around one quarter of female mail carriers.
Asian and Hispanic women each make up a smaller percentage. Carriers still predominantly identify as white compared to the overall population.
Racial Demographics of Female Mail Carriers
| Race | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 50% |
| Black | 25% |
| Hispanic | 15% |
| Asian | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Generational Differences Among Women
The women carrying mail today come from a wider range of ages and generations than in the past. Each group brings different perspectives.
Some older employees remember when discrimination was blatant rather than subtle. Younger staff grew up expecting more equitable treatment and inclusion.
Generations of Female Mail Carriers
| Generation | Years Born | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers | 1946-1964 | 25% |
| Generation X | 1965-1980 | 30% |
| Millennials | 1981-1996 | 25% |
| Generation Z | 1997-2012 | 15% |
| GI Generation | 1901-1927 | 5% |
Education Levels Among Female Mail Carriers
While mail delivery doesn’t require higher education, many women carriers pursued college and additional training.
About 40% of female mail carriers have an associate or bachelor’s degree. Academic experience helps some employees pursue postal supervisor roles.
Education Levels of Female Mail Carriers
| Education Level | Percentage |
|---|---|
| High school | 35% |
| Some college | 25% |
| Associate degree | 15% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 20% |
| Graduate degree | 5% |
Notable Women Who Delivered Mail
While most female carriers remain anonymous, some have become famous for their skills and accomplishments.
Stagecoach Mary
Mary Fields, also known as “Stagecoach Mary,” was the first African-American woman star route mail carrier. She drove a stagecoach delivering mail across Montana from 1895 to 1901.
Fields had a reputation as “one of the freest, toughest, and meanest persons” around. She was known for smoking cigars and wearing men’s clothing. Throughout her career, she fought prejudice and inequality.
China Mail Mary
Mail carrier Mary T. Kelly was given the nickname “China Mail Mary” for her porcelain white skin. She stood out walking her route in early 20th century Manhattan.
Kelly was one of the first women given a mail carrier job reserved for war veterans. She walked 30 miles a day delivering mail for 24 years before retiring in 1929.
Cat Lady Mail Carrier
Virginia Matthews earned fame as the “Cat Lady Mail Carrier” in the 1950s. She fed and cared for stray cats during her route in Oklahoma.
By 1958, she had taken in over 30 stray cats. Matthews delivered the mail with cat food in her satchel to care for new feline friends along her route.
First Female Rural Mail Carrier
In 1892, Susanna A. Brunner became the first officially appointed female rural mail carrier. She served a 48-mile route delivering mail by horse and buggy.
Brunner overcame doubts about women’s abilities by beating the required exam score to get the position. She then set speed and accuracy records on her route.
Challenges for Women Delivering Mail
Despite progress, women mail carriers still face obstacles related to gender bias, safety, and work-life balance.
Ongoing Harassment and Discrimination
Day-to-day harassment continues being an issue reported by many female postal workers. Sexist jokes and vulgar remarks still occur.
Complaints also cite unfair expectations, double standards, and being passed over for advancement or high-paying routes. Systemic challenges remain despite policies promoting equity.
Risks to Safety and Health
Carrying mail requires physical stamina and can be dangerous. Dog bites pose one obvious risk, causing thousands of injuries annually.
Women carriers worry about protection against assault on remote routes. Tasks like lifting heavy packages present other safety issues. Avoiding health problems like knee injuries is difficult.
Work-Life Balance Challenges
Postal worker schedules often provide little flexibility. Routines like school pick-ups and daycare drop-offs can be hard to manage.
Shift work also complicates sleep and disrupts circadian rhythms. The USPS lacks on-site childcare facilities available at some other large employers. All these factors disproportionately impact women.
Looking Ahead for Female Mail Carriers
Despite ongoing obstacles, the overall trajectory for women in postal positions is one of increasing opportunity and recognition.
New Recruiting Efforts
With many current postal workers nearing retirement age, new recruiting aims to attract diversity. Targeted outreach encourages women and minorities to apply.
Streamlined hiring based on fair competency testing can help reduce unconscious bias. Apprenticeship programs give women entry-level skills in maintenance and technical roles.
More Leadership Roles
As generations shift, more women are gaining promotions at higher levels. Potential to lead post offices, distribution hubs, and delivery units creates motivation.
Management opportunities allow older carriers to transition from physically strenuous delivery work. They enable women to shape a more equitable workplace culture.
Increasing Social Acceptance
As rigid gender roles continue to relax, jobs like mail delivery gain acceptance as suitable careers for women. Media visibility for successful female carriers helps.
School career fairs now actively encourage girls to consider postal service. Younger women often feel freer to show interest without judgment.
Conclusion
The history of women delivering America’s mail is long and remarkable. While challenges and barriers remain, many determined women found ways to excel as mail carriers.
From Susanna Brunner in the 19th century to today’s generation of new hires, female carriers make vital daily contributions. Their hard work and perseverance keep the country connected.
