11: The post-war roles of women Flashcards
When was the Matrimonial Causes Act and what did it mean?
- 1923
- A woman no longer had to prove cruelty, desertion or any other ‘causes’ in addition to adultery as grounds for divorce
When was the Guardianship of Infants Act and what did it mean?
- 1924
- Gave guardianship of infant children to both parents jointly
When was the New English Law of Property and what did it mean?
- 1926
- Allowed both married and single women to hold and dispose of their property on the same terms as men
When was the Representation of the People ( Equal franchise) Act and what did it mean?
- 1928
- Gave women over the age of 21 the right to vote
What happened at the end of the war to women in work?
They were encouraged to return home or to return to their traditional occupations and not compete with men.
How many women returned to domestic services?
1.6 million by 1931
What had changed with domestic service jobs?
They became increasingly resented and many housewives found it hard to retain their domestic servants
What was the biggest growth area for female employment in the ’20s and what were the figures?
- clerical work
- > I million employed as typists or clerks by 1921
- the number had grown by 300,000 by 1929
When was the Sex Disqualification Act and what did it mean?
- 1919
- Women could no longer be barred from a career in law or civil service on the basis of gender
What also provided new job opportunities for women?
The development of new industries
What were wages like for women?
-Had returned to pre-war positions with weekly wages being half the male rate by 1931
What was the marriage bar?
Female employees were sacked as soon as they got married
How did the marriage bar affect teachers and civil servants?
- The number of women teachers fell by 6000 by 1931
- 4% of civil servants were expelled each year
What message did the government emphasise?
Married bliss and motherhood
How many parliamentary candidates were adopted for the main parties in 1922 and 1929?
- 1922: 33
- 1929: 69
