Women, work and political economy: the Langham Place group’s use of the “dismal science” to advance middle-class female employment

In the late 19th century, the Langham Place group, composed of middle-class women, advocated for social changes, especially in women’s work. They primarily demanded better education and greater access to professions at the time closed to women. This paper explores their use of political economy to address issues of limited labour market access for women, particular women of their social class, and to advocate for change.