Beatrice Webb as feminist

A number of analysts have argued that Beatrice Webb was neither a feminist nor played any significant part in the women's movement. This claim has been challenged by other observers who have argued that Webb was very much a feminist, albeit a socialist rather than a liberal feminist. This article seeks to advance the debate regarding Webb's feminism by examining several papers she wrote and/or edited for the New Stateman in the period 1913-1919. These papers constitute but a portion of her written contribution to the struggle for women's rights. Their separate and detailed examination is justified, however, as they have thus far played virtually no part in the debate. This omission needs to be remedied, for the documents constitute substantial evidence that Webb actively campaigned against the injustices women suffered as workers, citizens, mothers and human beings.