Journey Through Time 13. The Woman Behind the Welfare State
Jun 4, 2025
Discover the remarkable legacy of Eleanor Rathbone, a pioneer of the welfare state who tirelessly advocated for women's rights and child welfare. Uncover the stories behind the two million 'superfluous women' of the 1921 census and how Rathbone sought to redefine caregiving as valuable work. Delve into the complex dynamics of historic partnerships among women and their impact on social reform. This engaging discussion highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in shaping societal attitudes and welfare policies.
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Surplus Women Crisis After WWI
- The 1921 census revealed two million more women than men in Britain due to war casualties.
- This sparked a societal crisis about women's roles and futures, known as the "surplus women" problem.
Caregiving as National Work
- Eleanor Rathbone saw paying widows directly empowered women with financial agency.
- This became her core insight: caregiving is vital national work deserving state support.
War Widow Louisa Kay's Journey
- Louisa Kay, a war widow with six daughters, had no income or pension after WWI.
- In 1922, she and her daughters emigrated to Canada for domestic service, part of a scheme to reduce surplus women at home.