At a time when women were barred from clerical roles, middle-class women made use of the informal power structures of Victorian and Edwardian associationalism in order to actively participate as citizens. This investigation of women's part in civic life provides a fresh approach to the 'public sphere', illuminates women as agents of a middle-class identity and develops the notion of a 'feminine public sphere', or the web of associations, institutions and discourses used by disenfranchised middle-class women to express their citizenship. The extent of middle-class women's contribution to civic life is examined through their involvement in reforming and philanthropic associations as well as local government. Making use of a range of previously untapped sources, this fascinating book will appeal in particular to those with an interest in Gender History and Scottish History. -- .
| ISBN: | 9780719079665 |
| Publication date: | 1st November 2009 |
| Author: | Megan Smitley |
| Publisher: | Manchester University Press |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 192 pages |
| Series: | Gender in History |
| Genres: |
European history Social and cultural history Gender studies: women and girls |