Women Entrepreneurs and Urban Expansion: Manchester 1760-1820

Past research on women workers in 18th century England has focused on their role in the manufacturing industry.Although women did play an active role in industrialization and factory work, women laborers were not limited to industrial activities.Women in Manchester, for example, played a vital role in the development of the town's economy, becoming significantly involved in both trade and service industries. Women also played a vital role in operating their family businesses, especially following the death of a husband.The link between women's business involvement and the growth of "polite" society is further explored. To investigate the effects of family traders and, particularly, of female traders, on Manchester's economy, this investigation focuses on the role of Elizabeth Raffald, an influential businesswoman and a member of a successful trading family in 18th century Manchester.While previous literature has suggested that women were greatly limited by familial constraints, this examination seeks to eliminate this generalization by providing evidence that more accurately presents the existence of female participation in various 18th century businesses. (AKP)