An inspector calls

• There was a rigid class system within 1912, providing little social mobility (unable to move between the classes, lower to upper etc) within society
• Those who belonged to a class within society, were confined and restricted by this- most significantly the lower classes (as symbolised through Eva who was unable to advance herself within society without drastic consequences)
• The rigid divide was a continuation of the Victorian eras fixed social structure
• Classes in 1912 society


  • Upper class
  • Middle class
  • Working class
• Poverty was rife round the early 20th century, 25% of the population lived in poverty, whilst 10% lived below subsistence (not enough to live) level
• The driving force behind this was underpayment of workers (Priestley creates Eva as an indictment of this inhumane treatment of the working classes)
• The Birlings classify as middle class as they had a servant, Edna
• Priestley is critical of the lack of social mobility in 1912


  He creates Eva as emblematic of the inhumane treatment the lower classes faced due to this restrictive class system
• Priestley constructs Mr Birling as a pompous unlikeable character


  To vilify the individuals who perpetuate this rigid system
• In the early 20th century, there were laws in place that meant only property owners could vote, such as the Second Reform Act 1867
• The Equal Franchise Act 1928 was introduced- all men and women over 21 were permitted to vote
• This was a progressive step forward for women's rights, but also for the oppressed lower classes as they now had a political voice
• The increased social mobility, particularly for women, can be seen through Sheila's development of a voice throughout the play


  This could symbolise how women had gained a political voice
• Although Eva does not have a voice herself


  Priestley constructs the Inspector to speak on behalf of her and the lower classes
• Britain was largely capitalist and Conservative in 1912
• There were acts introduced in the early 20th century to support the working classes such as: 1909 wage councils, 1906 children given free school meals and in 1911 there was sickness benefits for workers
• These marginal improvements were made when the Liberal Party came into power in 1905
• The Liberals favoured a laissez-faire approach within the economy
• This created an optimum environment for capitalist business owners, they had free rein to decide the prices on their goods and simultaneously exploit their workers
• Laissez-faire


  The idea that the government should have minimal intervention within the economy. Trade is not restricted and the price of goods is decided largely by the business owners
• Capitalism is personified through Mr Birling


  He would have been a member of society who would have strongly favoured the laissez-faire approach as this meant that he could exploit his workers for extra profit
• There was one of the biggest electoral swings in the 20th century in 1945. The Labour party, a newly formed party, won the general election by a landslide victory of around 10%
• The Labour parties appeal to the public was their strong commitment to the beveridge report, placing an emphasis on welfare rights- leading to the establishment of the National Health Service (NHS) and social security
• Polls found that most of the public favoured the report , as post WW2 society felt the need to be united opposed to divided due to the devastating loss of life throughout the war - the Labour Party paved the way for this
• The electoral swing from capitalism to socialism could be seen to be evident within Sheila and Eric


  They had a huge swing from capitalism to socialism when introduced to the Inspector (who would have promoted welfare rights)
• Women's rights had remained stagnant since the Victorian era
• Women were disenfranchised (no vote)
• Patriarchy/ patriarchal society (male dominated society)
• Women were seen as the property of their fathers and husbands (Sheila clearly displays this) with no political or legal rights
• Women were seen as inferior to their husbands or other male counterparts. Their role as a woman did not surpass the patriarchal expectations of them- to have children and be housewives
• 1867 the London Society for Women's Suffrage was created to campaign for women's rights
• Marginal gains in Women's rights were made when in 1882 the Married Women's Property Act meant that women were allowed to have their own legal identity and keep property (most wouldn't have any)
• Sheila is presented as disenfranchised at the beginning of the play


  Her infantile language and short dialogue representing how women were oppressed and silenced politically and socially in 1912
• Eva's animalistic treatment can't be disregarded just as being down to classism


  Her status as a lower-class woman made her more susceptible to this abuse
• Women's contribution to the war effort, sustaining the home front, was a pivotal turning point for women. They were now seen as valuable and important members of society- before their importance was overlooked
• Before WW2 these laws were passed: 1918- women over 30 granted the vote. Women can now stand as MPs. 1923- the Matrimonial Causes Act- same grounds for divorce by men and women. 1928- all women gain equal voting rights to men
• The change in the 1912 of women being more outspoken in their need for rights may be used by Priestley within the character of Sheila


  Her uncensored and developed voice may emulate the politics of women at the time
• Women were not entirely equal in society; however, a shift was seen in society post WW2 with people treating each other with more humanity and compassion following the devastating loss of life
• Priestley's strong socialist ideologies are personified through the Inspector
• The Inspector acts as a moral compass for the Birlings


  Aiming to guide them away from their dehumanising capitalist worldwide views by introducing them to socialism