Rebel Women in Australian Working Class History

by Sandra Bloodworth (Editor), Tom O'Lincoln (Editor)

Here are stories that challenge the conventional views of working class women and their struggles. Strikes and demonstrations throughout the 20th century shatter traditional images of women as passive victims. From the women of Broken Hill, who fought strike-breakers with axes and broom handles in the early part of the century through the 1930s Depression and World War II through to the postwar period, women played an important role in strikes and unemployed movements. Rebel Women also challenges those accounts which see the enemy as 'patriarchy' rather than capitalism, or which deny the relevance of the class altogether. These women fought their oppression alongside working men, as participants in - and leaders of - the class struggle. Frequently they had to confront opposition from middle class or upper class women. Many were sustained by a socialist vision. First published in 1999, this new enhanced edition makes these inspiring stories available to new generations.

Genres: Politics, Australia

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Tim Briedis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. A series of inspiring tales of solidarity and working class power. The Kortex chapter in particular is incredible, though all of them are well done. Kortex involved a 10 day strike for better wages, dignity and improved conditions, amongst a multilingual workforce. As well as the bosses, the workers had to combat their own right-wing union officials, who were eager to wrap the campaign up! The new edition is beautifully illustrated with artifacts of the struggle, which makes it an even more glorious read.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and inspiring stories of working class militancy from the 1900s to the '80s. It was so good I read it in just a couple of days!

[Amiriya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent