women Flashcards
What was the traditional role of women in German society during the 19th century?
To fulfil patriotic duty through maternal care, providing emotional support, and tending to the sick and needy
This traditional view was influenced by Prussian culture and emphasized a woman’s role in the family.
How did the German national civil code affect the status of women?
It legalised the lower status of women, giving men authority over children, property, and legal contracts
This code reinforced the belief that men should dominate in family and societal matters.
What were women in 19th-century Germany believed to be too fragile for?
To play a larger part in society
This belief contributed to the strict differentiation of roles between men and women.
What sectors did women primarily work in during the industrialisation after 1871?
Textiles, garment making, and food processing
These sectors were the lowest-paid and least skilled areas of the economy.
What was the general perception of women’s work in the German industrial economy?
It was considered subsidiary to men’s work and thus worthy only of low pay
Women’s work was not seen as essential for family income, reinforcing gender inequality.
What significant change occurred regarding women’s roles during the early 20th century?
More women began to enter the workforce due to growing industrialisation
Despite this, their roles remained largely restricted and undervalued.
True or False: Women were allowed to vote in Germany during the 19th century.
False
Women were denied the right to vote, reflecting their limited political power.
Fill in the blank: The roles of men and women in 19th-century Germany were quite _______.
differentiated
This differentiation was enforced by societal norms and legal frameworks.
What was the main societal expectation of men in 19th-century Germany?
To be soldiers and defenders of the home and fatherland
This expectation defined their role in a militarised society.
What was the hierarchy in German society like during the Kaiserreich?
It was quite strictly hierarchical, enforcing men’s dominance over women
This hierarchy was supported by laws that limited women’s rights and freedoms.
How did industrialisation affect women’s employment opportunities?
It led to more women entering the workforce, but in low-paid and segregated jobs
The economic structure still limited women’s roles to specific sectors.
What was the perception of women’s work compared to men’s in Germany?
Women’s work was deemed ‘unskilled’, while men’s was ‘semi-skilled’
This perception allowed for lower pay and worse conditions for women.
What was expected of women who worked in terms of family responsibilities?
Women were expected to take the full burden of family-raising and domestic tasks.
What welfare provisions were introduced by Bismarck for women?
- Six weeks of maternity leave
- 11-hour working day
- More time off at lunch and on Saturdays
In which industry were women not allowed to be employed?
Mining industry
What was the concern regarding industrialization and women in the workforce?
It was believed that work caused poor health among women, leading to infant mortality and miscarriages.
What was the aim of the protective legislation introduced in the Kaiserreich?
To reinforce the divisions between men’s place in the workforce and women’s place at home.
Who led the Society for the Protection of Women Workers Interests?
Emma Ihrer
What services did the Society for the Protection of Women Workers Interests provide?
- Services of doctors
- Services of lawyers without charge
What significant position did Emma Ihrer achieve in 1890?
She became the first and only woman elected to the General Commission of German Trade Unions.
Which political party in Germany campaigned for women’s rights?
SPD (Social Democratic Party of Germany)
Who was the leader of the SPD’s women’s section?
Clara Zetkin
What was the purpose of the first International Women’s Day founded by Clara Zetkin?
To bring greater attention to the plight of women worldwide.
What was the focus of the Bund Deutscher Frauenvereine (BDF)?
Rights of middle-class women in education and politics.
When was the Bund Deutscher Frauenvereine (BDF) founded?
1894
What did the Federation of German Women’s Associations aim to reform?
Germany’s discriminatory civil code.
What was the government’s response to the agitation of feminist organizations before World War I?
The government refused to change Germany’s civil code.
What significant political stance did Zetkin, Luxemburg, and Kahler take during World War I?
They rejected SPD’s policy of supporting the war.
What action did Zetkin take in 1915 regarding the war?
Organized the international socialist women’s anti-war conference in Berlin.
What happened to Zetkin and Luxemburg due to their anti-war stance?
They were arrested several times during the First World War.
What was the impact of the shortage of male workers on women’s employment?
Women entered into previously barred industrial positions in sectors such as chemical, iron, steel, and engineering.
In which sectors did women take up key positions during the period?
Women took up key positions in the German postal and transport sectors.
How did the role of women in German society change during this period?
Many German women experienced a new sense of freedom as they became the primary breadwinners in the family.
What was the government’s stance on women’s work during this time?
Women’s work was promoted by the government as essential for Germany’s survival.
What significant change occurred in the perception of women’s work before and after 1914?
There was a considerable change from a degrading attitude towards women’s work before 1914.
Fill in the blank: Women began working in industries such as _______ and _______.
chemical
Additional examples include iron, steel, and engineering.
True or False: Women’s work was viewed as non-essential before 1914.
True
What was one effect of women becoming primary breadwinners in families?
It helped to establish an enhanced position for women in German society.
What type of factory were young German women working in during World War I?
A munitions factory.
What year is associated with the image of young German women working on cartridges?
C1916.
