Women & Work in the 19th Century
History: KS3, topic 15.1.2
Women and Work in the 19th Century
Before 1870, when women married, their wealth transferred to their husband.
Working conditions for women
- The only work available for women in the 19th century was demeaning and poorly paid in the 19th century.
- The majority of working class women worked in factories or domestic service.
- Women were generally paid less than men for the work they did.
Improvement of working conditions
- Towards the end of the 19th century, women started to get access to more professions.
- Women had started practising medicine and becoming qualified doctors and physicians.
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson became the first female doctor in England.
Test yourself on Women & Work in the 19th Century
How were the jobs available for women in the 19th century characterised?