British Working Class Women in Olden Times: Fact or Fiction?

The prevailing portrayal of British working class women has often been romanticized in popular culture and films, leading some to believe that these women were more fierce and assertive in the past. However, is this perception accurate or does it stem from the influence of media portrayals? Let's delve into a comparison between British and American women from the 1950s and explore the realities.

My Personal Perspective: Observing the Strength in Family

My mother, a small statured woman standing at just 5 feet tall, possessed an indomitable will and fierce spirit that would have silenced any stereotypical 1950s American housewife. Raised in a household where women ruled the roost, I grew up with the belief that women were the real powerhouses of society. My mother strongly detested the kind of subservient women depicted in movies such as The Stepford Wives, which reinforced the idea that women should not question authority or resist societal norms.

One of the anecdotes that illustrate her strength is when a woman down the street endured regular beatings from her violent husband, a large and muscular coal miner. My mother was so outraged that she proposed gathering a group of local women to confront the perpetrator, but ultimately respected the woman's choice to handle her situation privately. This incident encapsulates the fearless attitude many British working class women exhibited in the face of adversity.

The Post-War Generation and Regional Drama

After World War II, there was a significant surge in interest for regional and authentic dramas that depicted the experiences of the working class. Playwrights like John Osborne became leading figures in this movement, producing works that highlighted the disaffection of the post-war generation and their conflict with parental expectations. These plays, such as Look Back in Anger,This Sporting Life, and Saturday Night Sunday Morning, delved deep into the complexities of British working class life.

Regional dramas at this time also featured women characters who were often shown as strong and resilient. However, it is noteworthy that their narratives often reflected the realities of wartime experiences. For instance, the female characters in films like The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, Billy Liar, Kes, and Spring and Port Wine typically portrayed women who had brought up their children alone during the war years and then had to adapt to post-war family dynamics.

Coronation Street: A Platform for Depth and Character Development

Coronation Street, a British soap opera that began in 1960, featured a diverse range of female stereotypes. The soap became a platform for developing characters with depth and personality, making them more than mere support roles. Elsie Tanner, a divorced woman, and Ena Sharples, a puritanical bar maid, were stark contrasts, highlighting the emotional and social spectrum of British women.

Annie Walker, the mayor of Wetherfield, embodied the strength and resilience of a working class woman. Her wealth of experience and assertiveness influenced the townsfolk, demonstrating the power of female leadership. Similarly, Emily Nugent, who initially appeared as a minor character, gradually evolved into a central figure, demonstrating consistency and resolve.

Another iconic character, Hilda Ogden, was introduced as a cleaner and comic foil. Despite her frequent faux pas, Hilda also became a beloved character, providing a driving force for many storylines. When it seemed she would be cut from the show, a campaign was launched to have her remain, demonstrating the popularity and importance of her role.

Conclusion: Reality vs. Media

While media portrayals can influence our perceptions, the strength and resilience of British working class women in the past were undoubtedly real. The examples from my mother, along with the works of playwrights and the portrayal in regional dramas and soap operas, demonstrate that women from these communities were much more fierce and assertive than the stereotypical American housewife of the 1950s.

Whether it is owed to challenging social circumstances or the portrayal in media, the image of British working class women as fierce and resilient is a testament to their enduring strength. Whether you agree or disagree, the reality is that these women played a crucial role in shaping British society during the post-war era.