Family responsibilities of a woman in the light of the catholic periodical titled „Gazeta dla Kobiet” from 1918–1938

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to present responsibilities to a family assigned to professionally active women by editors of the Poznań magazine titled „Gazeta dla Kobiet” (Newspaper for Women), which, for many years, was a body of Związek Stowarzyszeń Kobiet Pracujących (Association of Working Women’s Societies) and since 1936 – of Katolicki Związek Kobiet Catholic Women’s Association), which was the women’s headquarters of Akcja Katolicka (Catholic Campaign). The analysis of 21 annual volumes showed that a woman was recognized as an organizer of everyday family life and a performer of all activities which were supposed to ensure the survival of her closest family members. A woman was seen as a person taking care of a development of marital relationships and harmonious relationships with children. She was required to be able to take care of babies and raise children rationally. It was believed that a woman, as a conscious follower of Catholicism, should introduce her daughters and sons to religious practices. Moreover, she was expected to take care of her appearance, be intuitive, have common sense, and be in a good mood. The periodical accepted professional activities of women in part. It appreciated their contribution to the family budget; on the other hand, it recognized the collision between the role of a hostess, wife, and mother and all-day work away from home. Therefore, supporting the maintenance of the family model which was common at the time, it encouraged women to resign from their jobs, in particular when their husbands earned a lot, and proposed that women should develop their own interests by being active in Catholic women’s associations.