"When Ladies Go a-Thieving"

Paper Summary:

The paper examines Elaine Abelson's "When Ladies Go a-Thieving" that addresses the phenomenon of middle class Victorian women who shoplifted in the late 1800s. The paper looks at Abelson's discussion on what caused this phenomenon and how society reacted. The paper includes a personal reflection on the book.

From the Paper:

"Interestingly, most of the women caught shoplifting were middle-class women who could afford at least some of the items they stole. The author writes, "In a period of expanding possibilities for educated women, almost all the women in this sample were traditional housewives: home and family were their occupation" (Abelson 1992, 9). These were women who led busy and active lives, and enjoyed shopping, as well. Because these middle-class women were "respectable" in the eyes of society, when they were caught shoplifting, society had to find an acceptable reason for their behavior, and the idea of mental instability seemed to fit that bill. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Abelson, Elaine S. 1992. When ladies go a-thieving: Middle-class shoplifters in the Victorian department store. New York: Oxford University Press.

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• Analytical Essay # 47617 : "Women Shoplifters"
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• Book Review # 113041 : "Lady with a Little Dog"

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