"Genteel Women in the Factories" Loughnan

“Genteel Women in the Factories” Loughnan

Thesis: Working in a munitions plant, Loughnan had to work 12-hour shifts in London to aid the war effort.

• By sacrificing their ease by working, women gained a life worth living
• Women are learning lesions and aid the effect of Freedom
• Although they are tired, their minds are “expanding, their souls are growing stronger”
• The genteel women in the factories wear gloves
• Work is hard and they breathe in dust and their hands are filled with grease
• They learn the monotonous work in the factories is painfully boring
• Women get used to the noise of the place
• The 12-hour shift at night is tough: struggle with sleep; the foremen even sleep occasionally
• This work is a “wilting process” because it steals women’s youth and beauty
• Women can work, but to avoid criticism and contempt, they need not use their brains, but rather just work
• Women’s entry into this factory work has increased production of munition
• The men develop jealousy but behave kindly
• Women’s presence have an “educative effect” upon men
• Language is subdued
• The upper class are having their eyes opened to the awful conditions of factories
• “Foul language, immorality, and other evils are the natural outcome of overcrowding and bitter poverty”
• Work is good
• Live in safety, have shelter, have food, and are earning a lot of money