Inequality in life – and death: Newspaper obituaries have long discriminated against women

Journalist Ida B. Wells was one of the first women The New York Times profiled for its 'Overlooked' series, about people who should have received obituaries. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Gender discrimination doesn’t always end after a woman dies. Newspapers have long treated women differently in the number, wording and presentation of obituaries.

Since the 18th century, newspapers have published short death notices with basic facts – announcements often submitted by family members or funeral homes, and positioned near the advertising columns.