The first book of its kind to study this period, Gerry Holloway's essential student resource works chronologically from the early 1840s to the end of the twentieth century and examines over 150 years of women’s employment history.

With suggestions for research topics, an annotated bibliography to aid further research, and a chronology of important events which places the subject in a broader historical context, Gerry Holloway considers how factors such as class, age, marital status, race and locality, along with wider economic and political issues, have affected women’s job opportunities and status.

Key themes and issues that run through the book include:



continuity and change
the sexual division of labour
women as a cheap labour force
women’s perceived primary role of motherhood
women and trade unions
equality and difference
education and training.

Students of women’s studies, gender studies and history will find this a fascinating and invaluable addition to their reading material.