WIVES, WIDOWS, AND SINGLEWOMEN: WORKING WOMEN AT LONDON’S EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY FAIRS
Eighteenth-century city officials and social commentators targeted London fairs as disorderly institutions that interfered with “true” commerce. Critics used gendered imagery to describe the evils of fairs, and unruly women were central to these descriptions. Women faced increasing criticism of thei...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Economic & Business History Society
2006-06-01
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| Series: | Essays in Economic and Business History |
| Online Access: | http://ebhsoc.org/journal/index.php/ebhs/article/view/167 |
| Summary: | Eighteenth-century city officials and social commentators targeted London fairs as disorderly institutions that interfered with “true” commerce. Critics used gendered imagery to describe the evils of fairs, and unruly women were central to these descriptions. Women faced increasing criticism of their presence at fairs, but they continued to work there in large numbers—many in prominent positions and usually in the same capacities as men. At all levels, women were visible participants in these seasonal festivities. |
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| ISSN: | 0896-226X |