The Changing role of the Edwardian woman

The Victorian woman married and had several children, looking after family and home whilst her husband bought home the money, sometimes working all day, every day, especially if he was middle-class or poor. Of course, if "poor" then the woman worked, trying to add to the income, whether it be taking in washing or some other activity, the job was usually at home as she had so many children to care for, 'IF' she actually survived childbirth as a doctor was very expensive and the 'old wives tales' could sometimes kill instead of help.

The start of the Edwardian Era wasn't that much different. However, during this Era the role of the woman changed dramatically almost overnight, and after The First World War, life would never be the same for women.

The National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies and the Women's Social and Political Union did a great deal to change the attitudes towards women.

The new inventions, for example, the sewing machine, enabled women to take control and often a new magazine gave new ideas. Education became more readily available to all classes of women, which opened many doors. Women became more involved in sports, politics, schooling, the church, as well as doing many of the men's jobs whilst the men were away at War.

No longer was the expectation for a young woman to be married and have children. Even in the upper classes, a woman could now have a "career" for herself and could choose to stay single if she wanted to.
When a woman did marry, she had fewer children --- perhaps 2 or 3 as opposed to 9 or 10. Plus, the medical knowledge towards childbirth improved, although a doctor was still very expensive.

Fashion changed tremendously during this time and women had much more freedom of movement within these clothes. The War also demanded a change in Fashion, as women took over the men's jobs, for example, on the farms, and wearing trousers was far more practical.

By 1901, 25% of all office workers were women, learning shorthand and typing. The bicycle gave more freedom also --- free travel. Many women moved away from "Service" to work in shops and factories as the hours (and sometimes the pay) was better.
It was hard for the women because the Victorian / Edwardian worlds were still male-dominated, but with courage and perseverance and acceptance, life became different and much easier for the women of the Edwardian Era.