Women and Economics: A Study of the Economic Relation Between Men and Women as a Factor in Social Evolution

A scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores the economic relations between men and women and examines how these dynamics influence social evolution. By highlighting women's economic dependence on men, Gilman delves into broader themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and the implications for women's liberation. At the start of the book, Gilman emphasizes the historical context of male-female relations, portraying a time when both sexes lived more equally. She discusses the transition from this state of equality to one of economic dependence for women due to arbitrary societal constructs. Gilman argues that this dependence not only hampers women's social progress but also negatively affects the overall development of society. The opening sets the stage for a critical analysis of how economic factors shape gender roles and the necessity of recognizing women's contributions to society beyond traditional expectations.