Late 19 th Century Women’s Experiences, Rise of Feminism, & The Jewish Experience

Late 19th Century Women’s Experiences, Rise of Feminism, & The Jewish Experience

At the middle of the 19th century, virtually all European women faced social and legal disabilities in 3 areas: 1 – property rights 2 – family law 3 – educational barriers By the close of the century there had been some improvement in each area.

I. Property • Married women could not own property, no matter their______________. • Had no independent standing before the ________ • Britain – Married Women’s Property Act allowed • France • Germany

II. Family Law • Legal codes required • Divorces • Children

III. Educational Barriers • Less access than • Limited • Those who “made it”

IV. Generalities • Women continued to earn • Most working women were • Marriage/pregnancy • Employers preferred

V. Women of the Middle Class • Consumerism • “Cult of Domesticity” • Religious Duties • Children

VI. Lower/Working Class Women • If married…. • If single or widowed • Prostitution

VII. Political Feminism • John Stuart Mill founded • Asks: “What are the differences b/t men and women”? 2. Mary Wollstoncraft

VIII. Problems Facing Early Feminists 1. 2. 3. Millicent Fawcett: Peaceful Emmeline Pankhurst: Grew more violent --suffragettes

IX. Jewish Emancipation

Late 19 th Century Women’s Experiences, Rise of Feminism, & The Jewish Experience