The “New Woman” The “New Woman” Changing Attitudes towards Women pre

What will I learn? Pre-war changes to women’s lives in employment, education and local politics. What is meant by the concept of the “new woman”. 2

Why were women denied the vote? (recap…) Like men earlier in history women were denied the vote for a number of reasons: Too immature to vote, in law women were classed as “chattels” a bit like children. Too stupid to vote Did not deserve such a responsibility – remember 1 in 3 men were also denied the vote as not ‘suitable’ e.g. poorly paid men, the unemployed, male servants etc. Politics was for men – women should concern themselves only with the home and the family 3

Women’s lives were changing prior to WW1. For example, changes in the law, more education and better jobs meant that women wanted the vote and they felt they were more deserving of it. ‘The New Woman’ Men began to talk about ‘The New Woman’ 4

Separate Spheres Life was changing for SOME women before breaking down a little. The concepts of ‘separate spheres’ and a ‘women’s place’ were breaking down a little. 5

Jobs Still denied better paid and more interesting male jobs. BUT - New white collar/office jobs opening up for women – e.g. clerical or typing. Analysis – New white collar jobs gave women sense of responsibility and they now had ambitions. Some women wanted to improve their opportunities and sought the vote in an attempt to achieve this RAISED THEIR STATUS 6

Education With compulsory education at primary level in late nineteenth century – schools were opening for girls. 349 secondary/grammar schools were opened by Most universities allowed women to enter but denied them degrees. Colleges opened just for women – eg. Girton College in Cambridge Analysis – As women became better educated, they were no longer viewed as “too stupid” to vote – they were now thought to be more deserving of the vote. like men earlier, a better education helped women campaign for the vote e.g. write letters etc. 7

Laws Changes to the law had helped some women. Married Women’s Property Acts 1870 and Allowed women to legally be the rightful owners of the money they earned and allowed them to own and control their own property. Analysis – The law was now changing to better represent womens’ rights women believed that their rights could now be improved further by gaining the right to vote. 8

Politics Women were denied the vote in parliamentary elections but were allowed to vote and take part in local authority elections – allowed to vote in local council elections – women were allowed to join school boards – women were allowed to stand as candidates in local elections. 9 Analysis Women had shown they could be successful in participating in local elections and were annoyed that they could not be trusted with this responsibility at national level. Paula Bartley says increasingly ridiculous women could vote locally but not nationally.

Women were joining political parties such as the Conservative Party’s Primrose League 1883 or the Women’s Liberal Federation Increasingly politicians relied on them for canvassing etc. Women were fed up with the two big parties not helping them. Analysis: Professor Yeo argues that this dissatisfaction led to groups like the Suffragists and suffragettes being formed. Through political parties women made valuable contacts to help them gain the vote e.g. Pankhursts with early Labour party. 10

Main Analysis Point As argued by historians Martin Pugh & Paula Bartley, changes in women’s lives to do with jobs, education and voting in local elections made them seem better prepared to vote in national elections pre WWI However, many men believed that women were still not ready for the vote. This led to the formation of women’s suffrage societies. 11