著者

木内 泉

出版者

英米文化学会

雑誌

英米文化 (ISSN:09173536)

巻号頁・発行日

no.27, pp.81-104, 1997-03-31

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Throughout the nineteenth century philanthropy was not only a respectable alternatives to idleness but also the very popular vocation which was the leisured woman's outlet for self-expression and a purpose in life. And furthermore it enabled them to contact with the people of other classes and widen their sphere and enlarge their horizon. It gave women, from upper and middle-class women to working women, common experience, compassion, and first-hand knowledge of widespread poverty, inadequate housing condition brought about by industrialization and urbanization. As charity organizations and government institutions provided more and more services, skilled professionals were needed to train many volunteers. The experience women gained in workhouses, hospitals, and settlements enabled them to play a role in public affairs later. Most of the women who were devoted to the charity work served as poor law gurdians and on school boards, as well as in lesser government offices. Through their contact with charitable organization women increased their interest in the problems of poverty and the social services. When agitation of women's movement was revived in the early 20th century such public services proved that women were worthy of vote. The interest of women suffrage was caused by a certain of their activities, because they realized that compassion and religion alone were inadequate instruments to change the social conditions which bred the problems and there were limits to a charitable action without political power. The early women's suffrage societies were regarded by them as another branch of philanthropy. The connections which linked various committee women in the 19th century enabled the female suffrage societies to be established rapidly all over Britain.