The Power Of Gender In An Inspector Calls

The power of gender in “An Inspector Calls” is evident throughout the play, and shows how women were often mistreated and marginalised. In 1912, women still had few rights, and were expected to be obedient and subservient to men. The play shows how women like Eva Smith were vulnerable to exploitation and abuse due to their lack of legal and social power. It also highlights the limited opportunities available to women, particularly those from lower social classes, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The male characters, especially Mr. Birling and Gerald Croft, use their power and privileges to control and dominate the female characters. For example, in Act 2, Gerald describes women as “hard-eyed dough-faced women”. This line

Mr Birling demonstrates his sexist views when talking to Sheila multiple times, such as when he is giving his speech about the engagement. He says "After all I don't often make speeches at you." Here, Mr Birling is suggesting that the reason he doesn't make speeches at Sheila is simply because she would not understand them being a women. At the time, women were seen as being the weaker gender and considered to lack intellect, therefore in situations like this, women would often be left out of the conversation. This also show the sheer dominance Mr Birling has over Sheila, that he has the power to control which things she is able to hear or not. This is shown again when Mr Birling describes Sheilas engagement to Gerald as a “good bit of business” that will bring two influential families together. This shows how he views women as commodities that can be used to strengthen social and economic ties, rather than as autonomous individuals with their own desires and ambitions. It reflects his capitalist perspective that values profit over social responsibility, and reinforces traditional gender