There is significant focus within the play on the lives of women within the early 20th century. Through the female characters, Priestley critiques the misogyny of the period and its effect upon women’s positions and place within society. It is evident in the text that the women are seen as social inferiors: despite being of a higher social background than her husband, Mrs Birling defers to his decisions and upholds him as the head of the household, positioning herself as almost a passive bystander in her own life. Likewise, Sheila’s life is reduced to her status as a and prospective wife, only gaining a voice by distancing herself from the attitudes of others, specifically her father and fiancé. Whilst their upper class position does allow them some comfort, it is ultimately Eva Smith’s position in the working class which fully highlights the limitations of women. She is completely at the mercy of others, often men, for survival and is dehumanised when refused fair working wages. She is called a “wretched girl” and viewed as a troublemaker for standing up for equality. Priestley conveys the impacts of patriarchal attitudes within his contemporary society, exposing the imbalance between the sexes and their freedoms, thereby highlighting the need for more progressive attitudes towards equality.
