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Diffusion of a social norm: tracing the emergence of the housewife in the Netherlands, 1812–19221

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  • FRANS W. A. VAN POPPEL
  • HENDRIK P. VAN DALEN
  • EVELIEN WALHOUT

Abstract

The emergence of the housewife in the Netherlands over the period 1812–1922 was strongly influenced by the social norm that women should withdraw from the labour market on the eve of marriage. Adherence to this norm is most clearly reflected in the emergence of the housewife among the lower classes, especially at the close of the nineteenth century among wives of farmers. Women in urban municipalities, however, set the norm far earlier and differences across social classes were significantly greater in towns than in rural areas. Paradoxically, the rise of the housewife did not change work pressures for lower‐class women.

Suggested Citation

  • Frans W. A. Van Poppel & Hendrik P. Van Dalen & Evelien Walhout, 2009. "Diffusion of a social norm: tracing the emergence of the housewife in the Netherlands, 1812–19221," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 62(1), pages 99-127, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ehsrev:v:62:y:2009:i:1:p:99-127
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-0289.2008.00433.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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