Century Quote by Rheta Childe Dorr
![“The theory [before the twentieth century] ... was that all the jobs in the world belonged by right to men, and that only men were by nature entitled to wages. If a woman earned money, outside domestic service, it was because some misfortune had deprived her of masculine protection.” quote by Rheta Childe Dorr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/01c/rheta-childe-dorr-37217_century_the-theory-before-the-twentieth-century_2223271.jpg)
“The theory [before the twentieth century] ... was that all the jobs in the world belonged by right to men, and that only men were by nature entitled to wages. If a woman earned money, outside domestic service, it was because some misfortune had deprived her of masculine protection.”
About This Quote
Source Historical essay: Early 20th century gender labor discourse
The quote critiques historic belief that work and wages are inherently male domains, and that women earning outside domestic roles are seen as victims of misfortune.
In simple terms: Women were unfairly barred from work and wages.
Key Takeaway
Challenge gendered labor assumptions.
Themes
gender equality
labor rights
historical bias
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- activism
- policy reform
- education
- workplace equality
Key Concepts
patriarchy
economic justice
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How did these beliefs shape labor laws?
- What barriers persist for women today?
A Different Perspective
It overlooks modern economic complexities and intersectionality.
![“[The Dalai Lama] told me some years ago, "I've made every concession to China, and I've been as open and tolerant as I could, and still things get worse in Tibet." If you look at it from one point of view, as he himself says, his monastic position of forbearance and nonviolence hasn't reaped any…” quote by Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9fe/pico-iyer-1252_benefits_the-dalai-lama-told-me-some-years-ago-i_678.jpg)
