Maltese women : heatlh, care and work 1850s-1900s

Abstract

Women's history has always lacked in importance especially in comparison with other historical areas. However, its significance has increased throughout the years with a number of female historians tackling this subject, which was previously shunned. More often than not, women's history mirrors social history. As women were generally not involved in military or political activities, their history usually revolved around the concept of family and society. This could also be seen in Malta. I have always been interested in social history especially the part concerning ordinary people and their daily activities. Despite the fact that the history of Maltese women has not been thoroughly analysed, I found it really fascinating to research on women's everyday tasks and endeavours which have been taken for granted. The trials and achievements which these women (regardless of their social classes) had to endure, coupled with gender imbalance, makes it more remarkable to understand women's progress today. This study focuses on the female approach towards an aspect which is very familiar with women- the aspect of care. Women, despite their insignificance in history, have always been considered as responsible for the care of their family and offspring. This study in turn looks towards the main theme of care in relation to women by dividing this aspect into three different correlated topics - personal and physical care, medical and health care and care transmitted through employment in the public service dealing mainly with domestic work, nursing and teaching. Due to the fact that the history of women has only recently been tackled, secondary sources and information, predominantly those concerning local women are very scarce. Most of the information researched and analysed in this study has been taken from primary sources such as medical registers, information on charitable institutions, censuses, blue books and newspaper advertisements. Secondary sources especially those written by British authors were also analysed and taken in context, particularly in relation to areas where British influence could be seen in aspects concerning Maltese women.