Socialist women in Australia, c.1890-c.1918 / Joy Damousi.

Abstract

This thesis seeks to assess the role women played in the socialist movement in Australia between 1890 and 1918. It also examines socialists' response to the question of women's position in society and the attitude by socialists towards the contemporary feminist movement. These themes are explored through an analysis of the ideas and activism of leading socialist women in their respective parties. The writer also attempts to examine - as far as the sources allow - how these women combined the demands of public and private 1ife. Whilst socialists agreed on various aspects relating to the 'woman question', differences emerge in regard to their practice. These are related to the tactical position adopted by the various socialist groups. Those who stressed the importance of social reform and were not prepared to wait till the arrival of a socialist society for an improvement in women's position were sympathetic to the cause of contemporary feminists and more successful in attracting a broad base of support amongst women, than those who refused to deviate from the class struggle and scorned efforts to 'modify' capitalism. During this period there was no complete synthesis of feminist and socialist ideas because gender issues were subsumed to class considerations. In terms of practice, socialists did not succeed in fully integrating women into their organizations. The Victorian Socialist Party, because of its unique organizational structure, was exceptional in its efforts to include female members. Nonetheless, despite their limitations, socialists were aware of issues relating to the oppression of working class women and in this respect were advanced compared to most of their contemporaries. Show more