gender

• "...not only something to make 'em look prettier - but - well, a sort of sign or token of their self-respect."

  
  

  (When Mr Birling is telling Eric and Gerald about women's attitudes towards the clothes they wear)

  Mr Birling shows that he has a patronising view of women, making the suggestion that clothes are a sign of self-respect for them. He has a stereotypical view of women here and does not see them as individuals but suggests that all women think in the same way.
• "I hate those hard-eyed dough-faced women."

  
  

  (Gerald makes sexist and superficial comments about the women in the bar he visits)

  Gerald shows that he can be very superficial in his view of women. If they don't meet his standard of how they 'should' look, he dislikes them.
• "She was claiming elaborate fine feelings and scruples that were simply absurd in a girl in her position."

  
  

  (When Mrs Birling suggests that Eva is incapable of having feelings.)

  Priestley shows that even women like Mrs Birling can be just as cruel and old fashioned as the men are. She does not try to empathise with a member of her own gender. This also highlights her negative attitude towards the working class
• "After all I don't often make speeches at you."

  
  

  (Just before Mr Birling gives his speech)

  Mr Birling is suggesting that the reason he doesn't make speeches at Sheila is simply because she would not understand them being a women. At the time, women were seen as being the weaker gender and considered to lack intellect. Therefore, in situations like this, women would often be left out of the conversation.
• "She'd had a lot to say - far too much - so she had to go."

  
  

  (Shown when Mr Birling was explaining why he sacked Eva Smith)

  Eva Smith challenged Mr Birling in terms of how much money she and other workers like her were earning. To Mr Birling, this was a threat to his power as the business owner of Birling and Company. In addition, someone from the working-class is challenging him and that someone happens to be a women. This would be very out of the ordinary as men had superiority over women so for Eva Smith to question Mr Birling it shows her independence as a women.
• "She's had a long, exciting and tiring day - we were celebrating our engagement, you know - and now she's obviously had about as much as she can stand."

  This quote shows the theme of gender as it shows how, at the time, women were perceived as being weak and unable to handle emotionally challenging situations. In addition, Gerald is answering for Shelia as he believes she is unable to do so herself.
• "And you think young women ought to be protected against unpleasant and disturbing things."


  Gerald has the belief that women need to be protected from certain things because they are unable to handle them being both physically and mentally weak. This was a common view from men at the time and it was a view that gave the reason for women not being able to vote as it was something they could not mentally make a clear decision on as their emotions would cloud their judgement.
• "It would be much better if Sheila didn't listen to this story at all."


  Once more women being protected from distressing situations as they 'can't emotionally handle it'.
• "I hate these fat old tarts round the town."

  This shows the objectification of women as it suggests they should look a certain way in order to please men as that was what their purpose was perceived as.