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Lillian Moller Gilbreth: A Life Beyond "Cheaper by the Dozen"

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Published in Making Time: Lillian Moller Gilbreth A Life Beyond Cheaper By The Dozen

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Lillian Moller Gilbreth was a pioneering industrial engineer, efficiency expert, and author. She is best known for her book "Cheaper by the Dozen," which chronicled her experiences raising 12 children. However, Gilbreth's life and career extended far beyond this one book. She was a tireless advocate for women in engineering and education, and she made significant contributions to the fields of time and motion study, ergonomics, and industrial psychology.

Making Time: Lillian Moller Gilbreth -- A Life Beyond "Cheaper by the Dozen"

by Jane Lancaster

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	583 pages

Early Life and Education

Lillian Moller was born on May 24, 1878, in Oakland, California. Her father was a sea captain, and her mother was a schoolteacher. Gilbreth showed an early interest in science and engineering. She attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied engineering. She was the only woman in her engineering class, and she faced many challenges. However, she persevered and graduated in 1900 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Career in Industrial Engineering

After graduating from college, Gilbreth worked as an industrial engineer for several companies. She quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the leading experts in the field. Gilbreth was a pioneer in the use of time and motion study. She developed new methods for analyzing and improving work processes. Her work helped to increase productivity and efficiency in many industries.

In 1904, Gilbreth married Frank Bunker Gilbreth, another industrial engineer. Together, they founded the Gilbreth Company, which provided consulting services to businesses. The Gilbreths were pioneers in the field of ergonomics. They developed new designs for tools and workstations that were more comfortable and efficient for workers.

Advocacy for Women in Engineering and Education

Gilbreth was a strong advocate for women in engineering and education. She was one of the founders of the Society of Women Engineers. She also served on the board of trustees of Purdue University. Gilbreth believed that women had the same potential as men in STEM fields. She worked tirelessly to promote opportunities for women in these fields.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1924, Gilbreth's husband died suddenly. Gilbreth was left with 12 children to raise on her own. She continued to work as an industrial engineer, but she also wrote several books and articles about her experiences raising her family. Her most famous book, "Cheaper by the Dozen," was published in 1948. The book was a bestseller and was later adapted into two films.

Gilbreth died on January 2, 1972, at the age of 93. She left behind a legacy of achievement in the fields of industrial engineering, ergonomics, and industrial psychology. She was a pioneer for women in STEM fields, and she made a significant contribution to the advancement of these fields.

Lillian Moller Gilbreth was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to the fields of industrial engineering, ergonomics, and industrial psychology. She was also a tireless advocate for women in engineering and education. Gilbreth's legacy continues to inspire women to pursue careers in STEM fields.