The Politics of Gender in Victorian Britain
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Author Description
This groundbreaking history of Victorian politics, feminism and parliamentary reform challenges traditional assumptions about the development of British democracy and the struggle for women's rights and demonstrates how political activity has been shaped by changes in the history of masculinity. From the second half of the nineteenth century Britain's all-male parliament began to transform the legal position of women as it reformed laws that had upheld male authority for centuries. To explain these revolutionary changes, Ben Griffin looks beyond the actions of the women's movement alone and shows how the behaviour and ideologies of male politicians were fundamentally shaped by their gender. He argues that changes to women's rights were not simply the result of changing ideas about women but also changing beliefs about masculinity, religion and the nature of the constitution and, in doing so, demonstrates how gender inequality can be created and reproduced by the state
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This history examines the intricate relationship between gender, masculinity, and political reform in Victorian Britain. Ben Griffin investigates how the transformation of laws concerning women's rights in the latter half of the 19th century was not solely driven by the women's movement, but also significantly influenced by the gendered ideologies and behaviors of male politicians. The book argues that evolving beliefs about masculinity, religion, and the constitution played a crucial role in shaping these changes, demonstrating how the state actively participated in creating and perpetuating gender inequality.
THE SCOPE MAP
- Analysis of parliamentary reform and its impact on women's legal standing.
- Exploration of the history of masculinity and its influence on political decision-making.
- Examination of the role of gender in the development of British democracy.
- Case studies of male politicians and their gendered ideologies.
- Discussion of how the state reproduces gender inequality through legislation and policy.
- Focus on the period from the second half of the nineteenth century.
- Challenges traditional assumptions about the struggle for women's rights.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
The book is presented as a significant contribution to the understanding of Victorian politics and gender. Its argument that changes in women's rights were intertwined with evolving notions of masculinity offers a fresh perspective on parliamentary reform. The work is positioned to challenge established narratives by highlighting the agency of male politicians and the state in shaping gender dynamics. This approach suggests a dense, analytical text aimed at scholars and students of history and gender studies.
Page Count:
366
Publication Date:
2014-01-01
ISBN-10:
1107689686
ISBN-13:
9781107689688
Politics
Non-Fiction
History
Feminism
Gender Studies
Victorian Era
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