Question

Evaluate the status of women in France before the revolution.

Answer 1

Most women of the Third Estate had to work for the living.
(i) They worked as seamstresses or laundresses, sold flowers, fruits and vegetables at the market or were employed as domestic servants.
(ii) They did not have access to education or job training.
(iii) Only daughters of Nobles or wealthier members of the Third Estate could study at a convent.
(iv) Working women had also to care for the families.
(v) Their wages were lower than those of men.