Context

• Politics


  1912: Britain was capitalist and government had a laissez-faire approach with the economy

  1945: Biggest electoral swings in 20th century. In 1945, Labour party won by a landslide victory. The Birlings represent the capitalist attitudes in 1912 whereas Sheila + Eric's transformation into socialists represents the electoral swing and change in the political environment of 1945
• J.B Priestley


  He fought in WWl so was scathing of governmental abuse of authority.

  In 1945, he was co-founder of the Common Wealth party (socialist party who favoured equality and helped Labour win in 1945) Uses Inspector as his mouthpiece to be scathing of capitalism, and therefore government abuse of power, as well as promote socialist ideologies
• Women


  In 1912, they were disenfranchised. In 1945, Women's effort on Homefront was a pivotal turning point- seen as valuable. Sheila starts off voiceless and weaker (representing disenfranchisement) and develops a voice (representing women's power).
• Class System


  1912: there was little social mobility - 25% lived in poverty. 1945 acts like the Equal Franchise Act 1928 meant that men and women over 21 could vote - lower classes had more of a voice. Eva Smith represents individuals with little social mobility whereas the Birlings symbolise those who upheld the classist and oppressive systems of 1912