British Quote by Linda Colley
“High-level political wives are by no means new. In the 18th and 19th centuries, when patricians dominated British political life, it was common for politicians' spouses to play an active political role.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Politics of Gender in Early Modern Europe, 2005
Political spouses have historically wielded influence, showing that women's political roles are longstanding.
In simple terms: Women have long been active in politics through marriage.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value women's contributions in politics.
Themes
history
gender
politics
influence
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
historical
educational
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- historical research
- social movements
- policy making
Key Concepts
feminist theory
historical analysis
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What examples of political wives' influence can you find?
- How can modern politics better acknowledge such contributions?
A Different Perspective
Historical records may underrepresent women's agency.
![“In the forties [1940s] in Washington it was still unusual for a rich and socially well-connected married woman to work. If she did, her husband was assumed by his peers to be unable to support a household on his own and somehow to be inadequate.” quote by David Brinkley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9ba/david-brinkley-25462_connected_in-the-forties-1940s-in-washington-it-wa_2386979.jpg)
![“No wonder that Churchill described this effort [the British codebreakers working at Bletchley Park] as "Britian"s secret weapon," a weapon far more effective than the buzz bombs and the rockets that Werner von Braun designed for a German victory, a weapon absolutely decisive, in the judgement of…” quote by Peter Hilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5c3/peter-hilton-61015_allies_no-wonder-that-churchill-described-this_4600.jpg)
