Study Overview

This provocative study explores the subordination of Victorian working women in the home, neighborhood, and workplace. Drawing on courtroom proceedings, D'Cruze reveals that women’s interest in speaking out against violent crimes often coincide with the court’s agenda to discipline the unruly behavior of working men.

Key Findings

However, while women used local courts to vindicate their reputation before their neighbors, doing so often compromised their respectability in the eyes of the public.