Alexandra Ghiț

In this discussion, Alexandra Ghiț, a historian and postdoctoral researcher, digs into her book about the critical role women played in welfare during the austerity of interwar Bucharest. She illustrates how women, through various forms of unpaid labor, became essential social workers amid economic turmoil. Ghiț explores women's work patterns, wage gaps, and municipal welfare roles, revealing the intricate ties of gender and societal expectations. Additionally, she highlights the influence of transnational reforms on local welfare practices and the legacies of these historical struggles.

Alexandra Ghiț, a historian focusing on women's labor history in Central and Eastern Europe, dives into her research on interwar Bucharest. She reveals how women became essential social workers during economic hardships, juggling paid and unpaid labor. The discussion highlights the role of women in shaping municipal welfare policies, the impact of transnational influences on social work, and the precarious nature of domestic labor. Ghiț also explores the intersection of ethnicity, respectability, and the dynamics of aid provision, offering a fresh perspective on gender and welfare.