Women Clerks in Wilhelmine Germany : Issues of Class and Gender

A case-study of the nature and limitations of pre-First World War 'feminism'.

This book discusses the emergence of white-collar work for women and the motivations for organisation and political attitudes of German women clerks and white-collar workers before the First World War. In addition, the book explores issues concerning women''s work and labour-market situations, women''s class positions and their political mobilisation. The introductory chapters examine the situations of clerks and the home and family circumstances of women clerks. Dr Adams goes on to discuss the nature and limits of ''feminism'' in Wilhelmine society, the early years of female clerks'' associations, and the interrelationship of women''s work and home roles, behaviours and attitudes. Finally, two case studies examine in depth the conflicts of class and gender. Before the First World War, Dr Adams concludes, women defined themselves by gender and by class; they sought fulfilment in the public and the private sphere; but they found it impossible to be both ''woman'' and ''worker''.