Description
Book SynopsisThis book explores the contribution that five conservative, voluntary and popular women’s organisations made to women’s lives and to the campaign for women’s rights throughout the period 1928–64.
Trade ReviewHousewives and Citizens offers a refreshing perspective on women's activism in 20th century England, enlarging - and challenging - our study of the past. It is a timely reminder that women who did not identify with feminism were nonetheless active in campaigning for improvements in women's lot.
Beaumont has provided a scrupulous, scholarly and convincing history of the extensive role of women and the women’s movement in mid twentieth century public life.
Catriona Beaumont makes an important contribution to a growing historiography which seeks to suggest that the period from universal female suffrage in 1928 to the emergence of ‘Second Wave’ feminism in the 1960s was a time of greater achievements for the women’s movement than is often assumed.
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Table of ContentsIntroduction
1. Origins and aspirations: voluntary women’s organisations and the representation of housewives, mothers and citizens
2. Housewives and citizens: the rights and duties of women citizens
3. Moral dilemmas: divorce, birth control and abortion
4. Welfare rights for women: maternity care, social welfare benefits and family allowances
5. Active citizenship for women: war and protest
6. Housewives and citizens: post-war planning and the post-war years
7. Domesticity, modernity and women’s rights: voluntary women’s organisations and the women’s movement 1950–64
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
