Around 1900

In 1900 women had few rights, and they certainly did not have any political rights.

Women had very stereotyped roles in society.

If they were married, they stayed at home to look after the children and if they were single, they did work such as waitressing or cooking.

In 1900 nearly 2 million women were in domestic service. Women were expected to go into these jobs. Many worked in large households as servants.

It was rare for middle and upper class women to work, as they were expected to run the house, supervise the domestic staff and look after the children.

This was Queen Victoria’s view on a woman’s role:

`Let women be what God intended, a helpmate for man, but with totally different duties and vocations`.