Life in Germany - Women Flashcards
What was the German Civil Code of 1900?
Said women could not vote, could not practise law or other professions, married women had no legal status. A woman’s role was seen as Kinder Kirche Kuche.
How did the war help women?
Led to more work - e.g. 75% of working women in work 1918.
When did women get the vote?
November 1918
How many women had seats in the Reichstag 1919-32?
112 women
What did Article 109 say?
In principle women and men had equal rights - marriage should be equal and women should be able to enter professions.
Did the Reichstag support women’s rights?
Some did, others were concerned about the falling birth rate and the high divorce rate.
Give examples of change for women in work:
More women in white blouse jobs, more women qualified as lawyers (by 1933 there were 36) and number of women doctors doubled from 2,500 in 1924 to 1933.
Examples of continuity for WR.
Women paid 33% less than men in office work, employers still preferred single women, hard to find childcare, in 1925 over a quarter of a million women were doing poorly paid jobs. This doubled by 1935
Describe two features of the new women.
Flappers (short hair, smoked and drank), sexual freedom, part of racy city culture.
Who glorified women as independent role models?
Advertising and film industries
What factors increased hostility towards women?
The depression and unemployment.
Why did the depression affect women less than men?
Women were cheaper to emply so less likely to lose jobs. 1932 46% of men unemployed, only 33% of women
What did Chancellor Bruning do in 1932?
Passed a law saying married women could be fired if their husbands were working.
