"No time for recreations till the vote is won"? Suffrage activists and leisure in Edwardian Britain

Citation

Kay J (2007) "No time for recreations till the vote is won"? Suffrage activists and leisure in Edwardian Britain. Women's History Review, 16 (4), pp. 535-553. https://doi.org/10.1080/09612020701445909

Abstract
The women who took part in the campaign for female suffrage in Britain are often portrayed as dedicated, serious and devoted to the cause, with little time for other interests. Although this may be true for the most active suffragists, there were many who joined local societies and supported the movement while continuing to live ordinary lives. This article demonstrates that a significant sample of activists of all ages and backgrounds were enthusiastic sportswomen and espoused a wide range of other pastimes. Many also belonged to a ladies' club, particularly those in London's West End, in which they could dine, conduct business or relax away from home or work. By taking part in the increasingly diverse social, cultural and sporting environment available to middle-class Edwardian women, they struck a further blow for female emancipation.

Keywords
Suffragettes; Suffragists; Womens' sport; Womens' recreation; Suffragists Great Britain 20th century; Sports for women Great Britain 20th century; Women Recreation Great Britain 20th century; Great Britain History Edward VII, 1901-1910

Journal
Women's History Review: Volume 16, Issue 4