Abstract This paper explains that, in Bettina Bradbury's research, between 1861 and 1891, mainly French-Canadian women are found living and working in a harsh way, which demanded general resourcefulness to maintain their families' survivals. The author points out that, in contrast, Joy Parr's study of Ontario's industrial towns after 1880 reveals women's closer connections to the waged labor economy. The paper stresses that Bradbury's depiction of workingclasswomen in Montreal is convincing and speaks to Canadian women in terms beyond economics or feminism. The author found that, despite much theory referring to positions of gender as somehow unitary, there are dangers in presuming the realities of workingclasswomen in the later 19thcentury. The paper concludes that this literature helps interpret a contemporary Canadian society, which still tends to disadvantage women.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Situation versus Culture
Reflection
Last Remarks
From the Paper "Few widows received pension incomes for their husbands had often not had pensions in the forms of employment available to them. A predictable aspect of law so disadvantageous to women was the woman to turn to prostitution for survival or those running brothels or taverns. Joy Parr's work refers to Paris, Ontario and the demand for mainly British factory hands, often women, who were already skilled contributors to factory life before emigration. The idea of women working beyond the home as losing their reputations prevailed in much attention to 'protecting' women in Paris Ontario, as in the Penmans company's payment of quite low wages but also providing recreational and health care services."
Abstract New York City's workingclasswomen, from the late 18th century to 1860, were hampered by various economic, sexual and other social conditions. Stansell's City of Women explains the factors shaping the women's position within a certain North American and urban environment. It appears that the prime impediment was the prevailing view of the respectable woman's role related to domesticity in contrast with bourgeois life.
Abstract This paper analyzes the song "WorkingClass Hero" for what it says about work and workers, and for how it might help a vocational counselor. This paper notes that the song "WorkingClass Hero" celebrates the members of the workingclass who do their jobs for their families and who do not get the respect they deserve. The song does not single out one type of worker but instead celebrates the class of workers who do most of the work for society.
From the Paper " The song begins with a reference to retirement, to the end of the working life, showing how little the worker receives in terms of praise for what he has done. He is given a gold watch and holds it in his callused hand. The song also indicates, however, that the working class hero does not want more than this and instead has worked his whole life for the good of his family, giving his wife a house and his children a start in life. "
Abstract This paper discusses how Thompson's "The Making of the English WorkingClass" can be considered 'bottom up' history in its concern to rescue the working people of the Industrial Revolution from the economic conditions of the time. It looks at how, central to Thompson's work, is the theme of the emergence of a conscious workingclass between 1780 and 1832 in the context of the proletarianization and political repression. It also examines how Thompson's work fits into Marxist thinking and how Thompson is a good example of a cultural Marxist.
From the Paper "Marx does not focus on cultural history either, but rather economic history and class relationships for this "grand, overarching evolutionary theory of human history rested upon a dialectic of economic transformation" . For Marx what we do is the basis of who we are. Marx's theory is also an example of a 'systematic theory', in that it tries to explain how all parts relate to the whole in their system. There are several main tenets of Marxist theory which I will explain now in order to establish a framework in order to evaluate E.P. Thompson's work. Marx saw society as being evolutionary in that it moved and would continue to do so through successive stages of economic development or modes of production."
Abstract The four books, "Letters of a Woman Homesteader" by Elinore Pruitt Stewart, "Emily: Diary of a Hard-Worked Woman" by Emily French, "Prairie Voices" by Joanna Stratton, and "Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey" by Lillian Schlissel, are reviewed and summarized by this paper. The depiction in these books of the hardships and sufferings of American women in the 19thcentury is the focus of the paper. The story of each of the heroines presented in the books and the myriad difficulties they had to endure are examined, and the hardiness of character, both physical and emotional, needed to survive the time period is described.
From the Paper "Elinore Pruitt Stewart was a writer whose life transcended the common expectations of what a 19th century woman was capable of achieving. Although a woman, and alone, and a mother, Pruitt became a thriving part of the roughness of homesteading life in the American West. Part of this was due to necessity. Pruitt often said she found herself doing work that most women did not do, because, in her own words, she did not have enough money to hire a man. Often she found herself traveling to places that "ladies" were not supposed to go to, out of pure need or the needs of her children. Yet Stewart also admits that her own stubbornness and fortitude drove her into many of her ?adventures.? Stewart states in her own prose that her project of homesteading was designed to prove something about female endurance and ability, rather than simply to sustain herself and her family."
A look at England in the 1850's and the class struggles which existed between the landowners and the middle class, and the workingclass against the industrial revolution.
Abstract An examination of the chaos existing in 19thcentury England and the causes and consequences. The paper states that England's development of a dual class struggle -middle class vs. aristocracy and workingclass vs. middle class - arose for several reasons. The most immediate and obvious cause was the industrial revolution, which impacted the country economically, socially, and politically.
From the Paper "The year 1850 found England in the midst of some remarkable transitions. First, in the wake of the Industrial Revolution, England was in the process of evolving from being an agrarian society into being an industrial one. In fact, the year 1851 would mark the first year when the number of people in England's cities and towns was greater than the number of people in her rural areas (Hibbert 67).
"Second, for the first time in the country's history, the landowners, also known as the gentry or aristocracy, found themselves losing political ground and cultural influence to the middle class. The Middle Class, strengthened by the Industrial Revolution, had battered its way into the House of Commons and successfully passed several reform measures, such as the Prison Act, and the Lunacy Act, measures that the aristocracy would not have undertaken if left to their own devices."
Abstract This paper traces the history of the women's suffrage movement in 19thcentury America, with an emphasis on its leaders and goals. In particular, the contributions of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Fanny Wright are illustrated through their writings and lectures. The paper states that women earning the right to vote meant a nearly complete transformation of social norms in the United States. The paper also describes the connection between the abolitionist movement and women's suffrage. The writer concludes that despite the ratification of the 19th Amendment, women still suffered from widespread discrimination and continue to fight for equal rights even today.
From the Paper "Susan B. Anthony and scores of other prominent suffragists rallied as much for the cause of abolition as for women's rights. One of the most notable companion causes of 19th century suffragists was the temperance movement. In fact, suffragist Frances Willard had been intimately involved in the Christian Temperance movement and in 1891 became president World's Woman's Christian Temperance Union. The temperance movement's primary objective was the reduction in alcohol abuse, and in 1872, the Prohibition Party became the "first national political party to recognize the right of suffrage for women in its platform," ("Women's History in America"). Therefore, the women's suffrage movement did not exist in isolation of other social, economic, and political causes."
Abstract This paper covers the evolution of child labor laws from 19thCentury England through the present. The author discusses harsh working conditions endured and injuries suffered by children. Cited are specific pieces of legislation and non-profit campaigns aimed at stopping the phenomenon.
From the Paper "Child labor in 19th century England was a shameful practice that many of us never look back on. The displaced working classes took it for granted that a family would not be able to support itself if the children were not employed. Therefore, children as young as five years old were working 12 hour shifts for less then 20 dollars a day. The conditions in which these children worked were below standards. It was a long and deadly fight to regulated child labor laws in England during the 19th century. Today many of us take for granted the regulations on child labor; we act as if this is how it has been since the beginning. What we do not realize is how much child labor has progressed since the 19th century. Three hundred years may sound like a long time but when you consider how life was for a child then and compare it to a child's life today, I think you?ll begin to come to a better understanding of exactly what we have gone through to get where we are today."
This paper discusses workingclass rebellion as depicted in Phillip Bonosky's novel, "Burning Valley", and the film, "Norma Rae", directed by Martin Ritt.
Abstract This paper uses examples from a novel and a film to demonstrate that, until there is resistance, revolution, or rebellion, people usually will accept their position in society as either a worker or someone in the upper class, such as a business manager. The author points out that, after examining several instances from the novel and the film, it is clear that the different mindset of the workingclass from the upper class causes a class structure gap. The paper stresses that rebellion is a disturbance that causes members of the workingclass to rethink their position.
From the Paper "While there are many differences between Norma Rae, in the film titled "Norma Rae", and the character of Benedict Blumanis, they share an important similarity. They have the potential to change their way of thinking. After a man that she had been sexually involved with beat and verbally abused Norma, she came across the familiar face of a union organizer, Reuben. In this scene, as she asks Reuben questions, Norma is displaying her willingness to understand and her openness to change."
Abstract This paper looks at the radical changes in women's roles and rights in America during the 18th and 19thcenturies. The paper begins by briefly looking at their legal status in the 16th and 17th centuries. Next, the paper turns to a discussion of the struggle for women's rights within the context of the Age of Enlightenment, which began during the 18th century. The paper shows that while strides were being made, much progress was denied by the very men who were agitating for social change within the upper echelons of power. The paper then examines the impact of the Industrial Revolution on women's roles in society. Within the context of social change, the paper looks at the role of women in the abolitionist movement and examines how the suffrage movement for women differed from that for former slaves. The paper concludes with a discussion of the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote.
Outline
Women's Legal Status in the 16th and 17th Century Women's Rights in the 18th Century Women and the Industrial Revolution
Women Abolitionists
Women's versus Black Man's Suffrage After the Civil War
Introduction of the Women's Suffrage Amendment
Women's Suffrage Becomes a Reality in 1920
Conclusion
From the Paper "The modern Western struggle for women's rights began in the 18th century during the Age of Enlightenment. Political philosophers in Europe began to question traditional ideas that based the rights of citizens on their wealth and social status. Instead, leaders of the Enlightenment argued that all individuals were born with natural rights, and improved education and more egalitarian social structures could correct inequalities. Such radical ideas about equality and the rights of citizens helped inspire both the American Revolution in 1775 and the French Revolution in 1789--and spurred many women to claim equal rights as well. The fact was that women actually suffered many set backs in their unwritten rights during the "Age of Enlightenment". Earlier women of means had been writers, poets, dramatists, painters and thinkers. Rousseau's contention that women were not rational helped relegate many women to the status of "beast of burden". Where the wealthy had formally educated their women in the 16th and 17th Century so that they could intelligently discuss everything from politics to mathematics, this became less fashionable in the 18th Century."
This paper compares two essays about the role of women in 19thCentury England written by Sarah Stickney Ellis (excerpt from "The Wives of England"- 1843) and Jeanne Deroin (excerpt from "Almanach des Femmos"- 1852).
980 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 2 sources, 2002, $ 34.95
Abstract This paper defines that these two critical essays are essential studies of how women's role in 19thCentury English society shifted from one of subordination to a more liberal, even radical criticism of the society's treatment of women. This paper discusses Ellis? essay, which talks about women's subordination to men and Deroin's later essay, which criticizes the unjust and unequal treatment of the society to its women, particularly in their role as wives, mothers, and as women inside the family institution.
From the Paper "Ellis? essay, an excerpt from her book, ?The Wives of England,? talks about the ways and actions a woman must portray in public in order to be considered an intelligent and "rational" individual by her society. The essay is described as an advisory about the necessary actions a woman must do in order to make their husbands, or the men, ?feel like kings in their own households and thereby become aware of just how much they need their devoted wives.? Ellis started her essay by stating that the role of men in the society is essential and their role as the "head of a household" are both vital functions to which the males of the society must attend. In effect, Ellis makes it clear that the role of women fades in comparison with the important work men must do to both maintain the stability and security of the society and his family."
This paper traces the evolution of women's health and medical practices through the 19thcentury, citing "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman in the analysis of female hysteria.
Abstract This paper explores women's health issues in the 19thcentury. The writer suggests that the attitudes of men toward women were central to issues concerning women's health. The paper looks at primitive gynecologic practices, allopathic medicine, personalities including midwife Martha Ballard and trends such as Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound. The writer concludes that studying the history of the progress in women's health is an excellent way for women to learn what they will have to do to improve their own futures.
From the Paper "In the 19th century, any female complaint was likely to be considered a nervous disorder. The woman in "The Yellow Wallpaper" is the victim of what contemporary men labeled "hysteria" for which many hysterectomies were performed. Getting out from behind that male imposed wallpaper was a major effort of will for women. If she complained too much, a woman would most likely be subjected to the new hysterectomy procedure developed by Dr. Robert Battley, which had a very high mortality rate. Doctors like the husband in Gilman's story provoked a reactionary movement that included the efforts of Dr. John Kellogg and Dr. Sylvester Graham, part of the popular health movement that flourished from 1820-1870. They encouraged loose, healthy clothing, exercise and steam baths for both sexes, advocated vegetarian, whole wheat, alcohol free diets and strongly rejected masturbation as sinful, lawless and unhealthy."
Abstract A study of the lives and culture of French peasant women during the 19thcentury. Discusses the influence of the Revolution, and of Napoleon's structural improvements, on rural France and (indirectly) on the role of women in the economy. Also covers rural schooling efforts and the influence of industrialization on population and materials available in rural areas.
Abstract This paper discusses the severity of women suffering in the 19thcentury labour market. Illustrated is how women's roles were predetermined and pushed into being house labourers.
Abstract This paper examines how Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is one of the most authentic records on the social construction of Mississippi in 19thcentury. The book has been hailed as a classic but more so, for its unbiased view of the times in which it was written. It discusses how although some of the scenes may appear idyllic, there is a sense of gloom and doom hanging over the book which radiate the central purpose of the book i.e. to highlight the social issues of the time. Some of the predominant themes of the novel are discussed and they are put in historical context so we can better understand why characters, Huckleberry and Jim, said or did what they did.
Outline:
The Issue of Equality and Government
Presidential Election and Class system
Manifest Destiny
Death and Destruction
Slavery
From the Paper "The novel adequately captures the beliefs and practices of the time such as viewing slaves as property; the custom where slaves were separated from their families without any humane consideration, the activities of slave traders, the financial position of slave owners which would often make them sell their properties without any concern for the slave. These were just some of the practices. The novel also aptly captures the emotions of slaves who were so harshly treated by the owners. It captures the fear of the owners to be sold further into the south, the activities of abolitionists who were working ceaselessly for bringing an end to slavery, the hope of the slave that he might one day escape the hardships of life. All these were without a shred of doubt, the main reason for writing this novel."
