2.  Near the beginning of Act One, Sheila and her mother were made to leave the room so Mr. Birling and Gerald could talk about their business.  This emphasises how women were viewed as naïve and inferior in this society.  When the ranchworkers are alone, they speak about Curley’s wife in a very degrading manner.  They fail to realise that she may just be lonely and in need of attention, as she is the only woman on the ranch.

3.  After they are told of Eva Smith’s death, Mr. and Mrs. Birling appear only to care about how it will affect their reputation.  They dismiss Eric and Sheila’s attempts at telling them to confess and do the right thing.  Due to his old age and the fact he has an injury, Candy is a victim of ageism on the ranch.  Although Candy is treated with respect by characters such as Slim and George, Carlson makes the harsh decision to shoot Candy’s dog for him.

5.  He is aiming to bring these issues of discrimination into the view of society in the hope that they will be addressed.  Steinbeck had similar intentions with Of Mice and Men.  By emphasising these issues, Priestly is aiming for society to reach a balance of power between male and female, rich and poor, young and old.