Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 1: The Weimar Republic 1918–29 - 4 Changes in society, 1924–29:…
Full specification wording
Option 31: Key topic 1: The Weimar Republic 1918–29 - 4 Changes in society, 1924–29: Changes in the position of women in work, politics and leisure.
The Weimar period brought profound changes in the position of women across work, politics, and leisure.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The Weimar period brought profound changes in the position of women across work, politics, and leisure. Politically, the Weimar Constitution was highly progressive, granting women the right to vote and stand for election; female turnout was high, and many women served as Reichstag deputies. In work, while many women returned to domestic roles after the First World War, there was a notable increase in female professionals, such as teachers and shop workers, though they still faced unequal pay. In leisure, the 'New Woman' emerged in cities like Berlin, characterised by short hair, makeup, and financial independence. However, these changes faced fierce opposition from conservative groups who believed women should adhere to traditional roles.
What earns the marks
- Detail women's political rights under the Weimar Constitution, including voting and standing for the Reichstag.
- Explain changes in employment, noting the increase in female professionals but also the persistence of unequal pay.
- Describe the emergence of the 'New Woman' in leisure, characterised by new fashions and social independence.
- Analyse the conservative opposition to these changes, highlighting the urban-rural divide in attitudes.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Claiming that women achieved complete equality in the workplace.
Put it right: Specify that women still faced lower wages and pressure to leave work upon marriage.
Assuming the 'New Woman' represented all German women.
Put it right: Clarify that this lifestyle was mostly limited to young, unmarried women in major cities like Berlin.
Ignoring women's political involvement.
Put it right: Mention that women had equal voting rights and that female turnout in elections was consistently high.
Exam tips
- Structure answers by explicitly addressing work, politics, and leisure as distinct categories to ensure full coverage of the statement.
- Highlight the contrast between the progressive Weimar Constitution and the conservative attitudes of traditional German society.
- Use the concept of the 'New Woman' as a specific example of cultural and social change in the 1920s.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option 31: Key topic 1: The Weimar Republic 1918–29 - 4 Changes in society, 1924–29: Changes in the position of women in work, politics and leisure. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What significant political right was granted to German women under the Weimar Constitution of 1919?
Listen
The Weimar period brought profound changes in the position of women across work, politics, and leisure. Politically, the Weimar Constitution was highly progressive, granting women the right to vote and stand for election; female turnout was high, and many women served as Reichstag deputies. In work, while many women returned to domestic roles after the First World War, there was a notable increase in female professionals, such as teachers and shop workers, though they still faced unequal pay. In leisure, the 'New Woman' emerged in cities like Berlin, characterised by short hair, makeup, and financial independence. However, these changes faced fierce opposition from conservative groups who believed women should adhere to traditional roles. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Detail women's political rights under the Weimar Constitution, including voting and standing for the Reichstag. Explain changes in employment, noting the increase in female professionals but also the persistence of unequal pay. Describe the emergence of the 'New Woman' in leisure, characterised by new fashions and social independence. Analyse the conservative opposition to these changes, highlighting the urban-rural divide in attitudes. A common slip: Claiming that women achieved complete equality in the workplace. Instead, Specify that women still faced lower wages and pressure to leave work upon marriage. Exam tip: Structure answers by explicitly addressing work, politics, and leisure as distinct categories to ensure full coverage of the statement.
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Key words
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Political enfranchisement
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Traditionalism vs. Modernity
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Cultural shifts
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Gender roles
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See every definition
- Political enfranchisement
- The Weimar Constitution granted women the right to vote and stand for election, female turnout was high, and many women served as Reichstag deputies.
- Traditionalism vs. Modernity
- Changes in women's position faced fierce opposition from conservative groups who believed women should adhere to traditional roles.
- Cultural shifts
- In leisure, the 'New Woman' emerged in cities like Berlin, characterised by short hair, makeup, and financial independence.
- Gender roles
- While many women returned to domestic roles after the First World War, there was a notable increase in female professionals, such as teachers and shop workers.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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