Context Flashcards
All context summarised
- Class system
- Politics
- J.B Priestley
- Women
Class System 1912
• There was a rigid class system within 1912, providing little social mobility (unable to move between the classes, lower to upper etc) within society. Thus, those who belonged to a class within society, were confined and restricted by this- most significantly the lower classes (as symbolised through
Eva who was unable to advance herself within society without drastic consequences).
• This rigid divide was a continuation of the Victorian eras fixed social structure.
• They were divided into upper, middle and working-class individuals, with the upper class making up only 5% of the population. Poverty was rife round the early 20th century, 25% of the population lived in poverty, whilst 10% lived below subsistence (not enough to live) level.
• The driving force behind this was underpayment of workers (Priestley creates Eva as an indictment of this inhumane treatment of the working classes).
• The Birlings classify as middle class as they had a servant, Edna.
Class System 1945
• In the early 20th century, there were laws in place that meant only property owners could vote, such as the Second Reform Act 1867.
• However, an increased social mobility arose when the Equal Franchise Act 1928 was introduced- all men and women over 21 were permitted to vote. Not only was this a progressive step forward for women’s rights, but for the oppressed lower classes as they now had a political voice.
• The acts to enfranchise the lower classes and women showed progression towards the working classes. However, mass prejudices still existed with there still being class segregation existent in society. Hence, Priestley aims to highlight the detrimental impacts of class to his 1945 audience through the example of 1912 society: forcing his audience to reflect on how to eliminate this oppressing class divide.
Politics 1912
• Britain was largely capitalist and Conservative.
• Although there were acts introduced in the early 20th century to support the working classes such as: 1909 wage councils, 1906 children given free school meals and in 1911 there was sickness benefits for workers.
• These marginal improvements were made when the Liberal Party came into power in 1905. The Liberals were supported by the Labour party (who favoured a more socialist approach) as they were more aligned with the liberation of the working classes, opposed to the Conservative party.
• However, despite the Liberals supporting the ideas of personal liberty and social reform, they favoured a laissez- faire approach within the economy.
• This created an optimum environment for capitalist business owners, they had tree reign to decide the prices on their goods and simultaneously exploit their workers. Despite there now being some support for the working classes, this was not enough to prevent their exploitation.
• Laissez-faire = the idea that the government should have minimal intervention within the economy.Trade is not restricted and the price of goods is decided largely by the business owners.
Politics 1945
• There was one of the biggest electoral swings in the 20th century in 1945. The Labour party, a newly formed party, won the general election by a landslide victory of around 10%.
• This was the first general election since 1935 and became a shock to the Conservative party who proved popular throughout WW2. The Labour parties appeal to the public was their strong commitment to the Beveridge Report, placing an emphasis on welfare rights - leading to the establishment of the National Heath service our now NHS) and social security (insurance, retirement etc).
• Polls found that the majority of the British population favoured the report, as post WW2 society felt the need to be united opposed to divided due to the devastating loss of lives throughout the war-the Labour party paved the way for this
• The Beveridge Reports = it underpinned the need for a welfare state for all
J.B Priestly
• His earlier life - as a young boy, he was surrounded by socialism and socialist ideologies. His father was a passionate socialist, leading to these views being absorbed from a young age
• Priestley fought in WW1,yet was openly scathing of the institutions, he said “The British army specialised in throwing men away for nothing” his uncensored political voice - his uncensored political voice is evident within the play
• His contribution in WWI lead to his realisation of the vast inequalities that plague society.
• In 1945, he was a co-founder of the common wealth party. This was a socialist party that favoured equality, morality and common ownership (less should be privately owned, more owned by the public).
• The common wealth party helped galvanise support for the Labour parties landslide victory of 1945.
Women 1912
• Women’s rights had remained stagnant since the Victorian era.
• Women were disenfranchised (no vote).
• Patriarchy/ patriarchal society (male dominated society).
• Women were seen as the property of their fathers and husbands (Sheila clearly displays this) with no political or legal rights.
• Women were seen as inferior to their husbands or other male counterparts. Their role as a woman did not surpass the patriarchal expectations of them- to have children and be housewives.
• 1867 the London Society for Women’s Suffrage was created to campaign for women’s rights.
• Marginal gains in Women’s rights were made when in 1882 the Married Women’s Property Act meant that women were allowed to have their own legal identity and keep property (most wouldn’t have any).
• During the 1910’s, the women’s suffrage moment had gained momentum and had begun to bring attention to the movement- women however were still inferior.
Women 1945
• Women’s contribution to the war effort, sustaining the home front, was a pivotal turning point for women. They were now seen as valuable and important members of society- before their importance was overlooked
• Arguably, without the Women’s suffrage moment, their rights would have not become permanent
• Before WW2, the following laws were passed:
• Women’s Suffrage moment became more violent, and some died as martyrs for the cause.
• 1918 - women over 30 granted the vote. Women can now stand as MPs.
• 1923 - the Matrimonial Causes Act- same grounds for divorce by men and women.
• 1928 - all women gain equal voting rights to men.
