Class Privilege and British Feminism - Research Proposal Example

PRIVILEGE AND BRITISH FEMINISM AT THE TURN OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY Introduction At the turn of the twentieth century, Britain began to experience a subtle change in social attitudes towards aspects of female existence. Citizens in different social classes were growing increasingly uncomfortable with prevailing gender relations and the entrenched patriarchal culture of the Victorian era. One of the most evident ways in which this dissatisfaction manifested was through the appearance of the ‘New Women’ narratives. There was a significant increase in the percentage of educated women in the middle and upper classes in the 1890s. These women were referred to as ‘New Women’, and were perceived by large sections of society as destabilizing factors. The 1890s also saw an increase in the numbers of single women. Free from the normal responsibilities that society placed on adult women, the single women had the opportunity to pursue education or find other ways of improving their own lives. They would inevitably embrace the cause of feminism. Thesis The eventual success and spread of feminist ideals at the turn of the 20th century in Britain happened in spite of feminism organizations, and not because of them. This is because there were significant social class issues within the organizations that constantly threatened to undo the work that they accomplished. Feminism and Social Class at the Turn of the 20th Century At the turn of the 20th century, women who believed in feminist principles could be found across all social classes in Britain. Women, as a group, were discriminated against on the basis of their gender in different respects, and so would support any efforts to improve their lot. However, not all of them publicly proclaimed their support of the suffragettes, as British Feminists referred to themselves. Vocal feminists were a minority in all social classes. The working class feminists were more vocal than those in other classes because they combined feminist objectives with trade-unionism, and so had a larger platform on which to address the need to recognise women rights. One of the most famous feminists of this period was Emmeline Pankhurst, who was from the middle class. In 1903, Mrs. Pankhurst formed the Womens Social and Political Union (WSPU) whose members would engage in public demonstrations which drew the nation’s attention. In 1897, Millicent Fawcett, another feminist, had launched the National Union of Women Suffragists. Millicent Fawcett was from a more privileged background than Emmeline Pankhurst, and supposedly looked upon her rival with contempt. However, it would be Mrs. Pankhurst’s efforts on behalf of women that would be recognized all over the world. The reality is that even though women in the higher classes were interested in escaping their gilded cages, they were not interested in marching against the ruling authorities, or being physically wounded for the cause. Feminists from the middle classes also preferred to make statements against patriarchy and male domination instead of actually marching for the rights of women. It is the working class feminists who campaigned in textile towns from 1903 to 1906 for women’s rights. They used propaganda and even lobbied town council members to embrace feminist principles with the assurance that female voters would have them reinstated in their positions. However, when the Womens Social and Political Union moved back to London, the efforts of the working women on behalf of the cause were disregarded as other women from the higher classes were put in positions of authority within the organization. As wealthy women registered as members of the Womens Social and Political Union, the organization was perceived as a movement championing the needs of upper-class and middle class women. Lady Constance Lytton, who was politically conservative and a member of the British aristocracy openly identified as a member of the suffragette movement.1 The contributions of the ‘New Women’ who had suffered much scorn to establish the organization in public consciousness were not taken into account as the leadership positions in the feminist organizations was given to high class women who were the wives of wealthy men. At this time, it was argued that this was prudent because feminism, which was viewed as a political movement, required subversive activities that could not be undertaken by those who were not financially secure.2 Women from the wealthier classes, though, were economically independent; and so could risk going against the ruling establishment. While this was an accurate observation, it was also a fact that the working women were pushed out of positions of authority which were then distributed among the wealthier feminists. The New Woman Ideology At the turn of the 20th century, the ‘New Women’ began to push for equality with male counterparts in professional capacities. Discussions of labor relations were conducted alongside labor relations developments due to the growing movement of women to the workplace. Other subjects that were addressed in the New Woman ideology included single motherhood, changing male supremacy, divorce legislature, increasing educational opportunities for women, the power of the female consumer, and matters concerning sanitation. Common pictures of the time would show representations of wayward women who wanted to take over the roles of men. The depiction of New Women riding bicycles in bloomers while balancing cigarettes of their lips was actually meant to ridicule the efforts of feminists.3 Feminists in this era would invest in New Women books which registered dissatisfaction with the demeaning position of women in the institution of marriage, as well as in all other public spheres. In spite of efforts to do away with these books, their tales of rebellious women who set their own paths in life served as a springboard for citizens to speak openly about their discontent with gender relations. In the Victorian and Edwardian eras, many subjects concerning the lives of women in a professional and personal capacity could not be spoken about openly as they were viewed as being taboo.4 From birth, men were indoctrinated to view women as creatures that had to remain in the house and under their protection at all times. Women who did not fit this description and tried to rebel were branded as ‘wayward’ women. The New Women books effectively challenged such strictures, along with old codes of decency and morality which were only applied to women. Methodology Research Purpose The aim of this research is to determine the extent to which the efforts of working class feminists were undermined by middle and upper class feminists at the turn of the century in Britain. Research Questions Was there a difference between how working class feminists and middle and upper class feminists formed organizations to assist in the cause for the emancipation of women? How successful were feminist organizations that were formed at the turn of the 20th century in Britain? What were the main causes of disagreement between feminists of different social classes at the turn of the 20th century? Can women’s rights in the present day be attributed to the efforts of working class feminists or middle and upper class feminists? Research Method This study will make use of the mixed method research system. A questionnaire will be distributed to feminist representatives from different social classes for their views on the feminist movement in the 20th century and its achievements. The researchers will also use the secondary research method, and evaluate records, historical materials, and biographies of characters in the 20th century feminist movement such as Emmeline Pankhurst. These materials will be used in making comparisons and interpreting different theories on feminists. Bibliography Meeres, Frank. Suffragettes. London: Amberley Publishing Limited, 2013. Pankhurst, Sylvia. The suffragette movement- An intimate account of persons and ideals. New York: Read Books, 2010. Shaw, John Fredrick. The case for women’s suffrage. New York: BiblioBazaar, 2009. Read More