Eleanor Rathbone

This book provides an accessible introduction to the life, times and work, and in particular, the ideas of Eleanor Rathbone. She was a prominent figure in British politics, both as a suffragette and as a member of parliament, but is best known as the leading proponent for the introduction of family allowances. This text outlines and explores the development of Eleanor Rathbone's ideas, which are presented in the political and intellectual context in which she wrote--a period of major change for women. Beginning with a survey of Eleanor Rathbone's personal and ideological heritage, the book explains her move from philanthropy to political action; her ideas on suffrage; and her changing ideas on whether feminists should focus on equality or difference. The book also considers the impetus behind her entry into parliament; the way she expressed and shaped her ideas within a parliamentary setting, and finally her involvement in India affairs. This intriguing volume is essential reading for students and academics of women's studies, sociology, social policy and history; it is also a highly readable book for the general reader interested in the life and ideas of a major feminist thinker.