Devon Women in Public and Professional Life, 1900-1950: Votes, Voices and Vocations

This book is a groundbreaking study of the regional role of women in public and professional life in early twentieth-century Devon, covering politics, medicine, education, and voluntary organizations. Based on original research, it reveals the significant public contribution made by these eight women, who have been largely hidden from history. It is a valuable addition to the history of women in Britain between the wars and Devon in the inter-war period, and will interest academics, students, and anyone interested in the history of twentieth-century Devon.

Format: Hardback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2021
Publisher: University of Exeter Press

This book is a groundbreaking exploration of the regional role of women in public and professional life during the early twentieth century, shattering new ground in the fields of local and gender history. Spanning various domains such as politics, medicine, and education, it showcases how women in a large, predominantly rural county far from London and the industrial heartlands of England worked individually and in collaboration to create new opportunities for women and girls. Through in-depth biographical studies based on original research, the book reveals the significant public contribution made by these eight women, who have been largely overlooked in historical narratives.

Devon Women in Public and Professional Life, 1900–1950, is a valuable addition to the history of women in Britain between the wars, a period that has received less scholarly attention compared to the Edwardian era and the two World Wars. Moreover, it addresses a significant gap in the historiography of Devon women, where there has been limited published research, and in the history of Devon during the interwar period, which has been similarly neglected by historians. This book will appeal to academics and students specializing in gender history, modern British history, and the history of twentieth-century Devon, as well as to a broader audience interested in these fields.

The book's significance lies in its ability to shed light on the experiences and contributions of women in a rural setting during a period of significant social and economic change. It challenges the notion that women's roles were limited to domestic and reproductive responsibilities and demonstrates how they actively engaged in public life and pursued professional careers. By examining the lives of these eight women, the book provides a rich tapestry of stories that illustrate the challenges and opportunities they faced, as well as the ways in which they overcame obstacles and made a lasting impact on their communities.

One of the key themes that emerges from the book is the importance of collaboration and networking among women. The women featured in the book were part of a network of organizations and associations that aimed to promote women's rights, education, and social welfare. Through their involvement in these organizations, they were able to advocate for change and influence policy decisions that benefited women and girls in their county.

Another notable aspect of the book is its focus on the role of education in shaping women's opportunities. The women studied in the book were highly educated and played significant roles in the fields of medicine, teaching, and social work. Their education not only provided them with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their respective professions but also enabled them to become leaders and advocates for women's rights.

The book also sheds light on the challenges faced by women in rural areas during the early twentieth century. Despite the strides made in women's rights and education, there were still significant barriers to their participation in public life. Women were often excluded from political and professional positions, and they faced discrimination and gender-based violence in their personal and professional lives. However, the women featured in the book demonstrated resilience and determination in the face of these challenges, using their education and networks to advocate for change and challenge the status quo.

In conclusion, Devon Women in Public and Professional Life, 1900–1950, is a groundbreaking exploration of the regional role of women in public and professional life during the early twentieth century. Through in-depth biographical studies and original research, the book reveals the significant public contribution made by eight women who have been largely overlooked in historical narratives. It fills a significant gap in the historiography of Devon women and the history of Devon during the interwar period, providing valuable insights into the experiences and contributions of women in a rural setting during a period of significant social and economic change. The book's themes of collaboration, education, and resilience highlight the ways in which women worked together to create new opportunities for women and girls in a largely rural county far from London and the industrial heartlands of England. It is a must-read for academics, students, and anyone interested in gender history, modern British history, and the history of twentieth-century Devon.

Weight: 628g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781905816767