From the 1880s to the 1920s, a profound social awakening among women extended the possibilities of change far beyond the struggle for the vote. Amid the growth of globalised trade, mass production, immigration and urban slums, American and British women broke with custom and prejudice. Taking off corsets, living communally and joining trade unions, these ‘dreamers of a new day’ conceived new ways of arranging daily life from childcare to industrial relations. In the process they challenged ideas about sexuality, mothering, housework, the economy and citizenship.

In this talk Sheila Rowbotham uncovers how women created much of the fabric of modern life and how these innovative dreamers raised questions that remain at the forefront of our 21st century lives.

Sheila Rowbotham‘s many books include Edward Carpenter: A Life of Liberty and Love which was shortlisted for The James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 2009.

This event was organised in partnership with Newham Bookshop.