This Working-Day World: Women's Lives and Culture(s) in Britain 1914-1945

This Working-Day World provides a social, political, and cultural view of British women's lives in 1914–1945, based on new research and personal accounts. It reveals past issues that are still pertinent to debates in today's society, such as the Diary of Doreen Bates, and provides a rich resource for students and general readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1994, This Working-Day World is a vibrant collection of essays that provides a comprehensive social, political, and cultural perspective on the lives of British women during the period from 1914 to 1945. The volume explores a wide range of women's activities, encompassing everything from household chores to the rescue of child refugees. Each essay, contributed by an international roster of scholars, is based on groundbreaking research that will enrich existing studies in various disciplines by shedding light on topics such as women's teacher training colleges, their roles in the BBC, medical laboratories, and art schools.

While the book does not idealize women, it is important to acknowledge that the militarism and racism of the era also impacted them. The account of women in the British Union of Fascists and the analysis of the Pankhursts' merging of patriotism and gender issues serve as poignant reminders of this reality.

Through meticulous studies and personal narratives, This Working-Day World offers a revealing glimpse into past issues that continue to shape contemporary debates. The chapter on the recently discovered Diary of Doreen Bates, which outlines possibly the first female civil servant campaign for rights as a single mother, serves as a poignant example. As we approach the end of the century, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the progress, or lack thereof, in society and British women's lives in particular.

This accessible and informative collection serves as a valuable resource for students enrolled in courses in twentieth-century social and cultural history, as well as women's studies. It is also an enlightening volume for general readers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this period.

The book's unique photographs add an additional layer of richness to the narrative, providing a visual glimpse into the lives of women during this transformative era. Overall, This Working-Day World is a testament to the power of scholarship and storytelling in illuminating the past and shaping our understanding of the present.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032301730