The vision of Georges Duby has had a profound impact upon how American medievalists view the middle ages. His legacy is perhaps felt most acutely in the study of medieval women. Duby characterized the experience of medieval women as one of repression and powerlessness. Indeed, he considered the medieval period to be the « male » middle ages. Many American scholars have become dissatisfied with Duby’s description of women. Through examination of documents of practice, such as charters, American medievalists have created a very different picture of women’s experience. Where Duby and his followers detected male dominance and repression, these scholars have discovered women of power and influence, who were respected members of their society, and included in all aspects of medieval life.