context

• Family life

  what was the expectation for middle class family in 1912 and there roles


  family members were expected to know their roles and be content with their position . Parents = in charge and children = obedient and unquestioning
• what were the gender roles for the wealhy?


  men - were expected to work and support their family and protect women

  women - marry into rich , didn’t have to work. They visit friends , plan parties and have children . didnt do washing ext
• gender role for working class women


  women - have jobs in factories or slaves , paid less . do household work . They had little right and power
• british in 1912 was firmly divided along class lines. most money = more power . The labour party was formed in 1906 to represent the interest of the working class
• in 1912 , only men who owned property could vote . Women weren’t allowed at all. women lives were for more controlled by their husband and families than today
• in 1912 there wasn’t much government help for people in need . this is why charities like sybil’s were so important
• in 1945 , things had changed but still problems. still divided but by 1928 all men and women could vote over the age 21 - power was shared out more
• in 1945 , still conflicts between bussiness workers and owners.
• in 1930, a global economic slump known as the Depression hit many industries . Big increase in unemployment and many in poverty
• why did priestley set the play in 1912?


  starts play in the 20th century to show some things had improved , but some things had not
• young and old

  the older generation were more old fashioned . what does priestly present mrs and mr birling about their views


  they have very traditional views - they think that they know best and that children should be seen as not heard and they don’t like their authority to be challeneged.

  represent views of the ruling class
• why does priestley question mr and mrs birlings views 


  to question their obsession with social class - he suggests that the whole class system is out of touch
• younger generation

  what are the younger generation shown as by JB


  shown as challenging the authority of their elders . this threatens birling who tells them “ better keep quiet”
• as the younger generation learn their lesson , there is more hope for an equal and fairer society in the future
• eva courage was the main reason birling sacked her - she was challenging his authority which he didn’t like
• men and women

  women

  -supposed to be obsessed with clothes , weddings , shopping - sheila glazes at her ring adoringly

  -protected against unpleasant things