theme gender

• men were seen as interested in business, politics and public affairs
• middle class women were protected against unpleasant and disturbing things
• "I hate those hard-eyed dough-faced women" -Gerald
• women were used as possessions by men
• women were given the worst jobs and paid less
• women didnt have the same rights as men
• it was acceptable for men to sleep around before their marriages
• "she was young and fresh and charming" - Gerald
• upper class women could only hope to impress a rich man and marry well- explains why Sheila spent so long in Milwards

  -> following this, they spent time planning who their children would marry
• society was still patriachal in which men enjoyed authority and control
• Alderman Meggarty, Gerald and Eric use Eva because she is attractive and female. Mrs Birling is just as cold as the men