The Roles of Women and Men in Jewish Homes for the Elderly in Poland before 1939

Jewish care homes were open to Jews over the age of 60, regardless of gender, who could not rely on support from their immediate family. Their organizational structure, internal design, and daily routines all showed a clear differentiation between the spaces, duties, and privileges accorded to men and to women. This strong emphasis on traditional gender roles derived to some extent from the perception of old age as the final stage of life. It served to maintain the harmony of the community of residents and to create a positive image for their children and grandchildren. An analysis of how these care homes functioned also reveals the division of responsibilities among those who worked in them, a division which reflects both earlier charitable traditions and gender stereotypes.