A recent study by Ruveyda Nur Gozen of the London School of Economics reveals that 19th-century women entrepreneurs contributed significantly to workplace gender equality.
19th-century female entrepreneurs’ global economic imprint
These pioneering women also played a vital role as job creators, a fact often overlooked in historical accounts.
The study seeks to provide a broader understanding of historical economic dynamics by creating a dataset that mirrors the 19th-century economic landscape.
The aim is to identify enduring socio-economic factors and better comprehend historical patterns which could guide current economic decisions and promote economic equality.
Despite the challenge of collecting 19th-century economic data given the technological limitations of the time, the researchers are committed to this task.
They expect that the dataset will reveal often overlooked historical trends that influence economic behaviors, and will offer a nuanced perspective of our intertwined global economic trajectory.
The creation of this comprehensive dataset, however, was plagued by a lack of data on women’s economic contributions in the 19th century.
To circumvent this, the team used the Census of Manufacturers and inferred gender based on first names, despite inevitable limitations such as potential naming ambiguity and unaccounted variations in business impacts.
Nevertheless, the data collected helps to highlight the significant influence of women in the economic history of the 19th century.
The methods used have sparked a debate about the visibility and recognition of female entrepreneurs in economic history.
The researchers intend to refine their approach to better represent female business owners using more inclusive methodologies in future research.
The findings revealed that despite starting businesses with less capital and facing societal prejudices, 19th-century female entrepreneurs showed remarkable resilience.
Many thrived in their businesses, focusing on clothing and accessories making, predominantly in the East and California.
Despite prevalent male dominance, these businesses became cornerstones of local economies and marked a transition towards gender equality in the business world.
Their stories serve as an inspiration for future generations of women entrepreneurs, showcasing the power of determination, hard work, and ingenuity.
The study emphasizes the significance of women’s historical economic contributions and their role in shaping societies.
An informed perspective of women’s economic history can provide a foundation for more inclusive and equitable economic policies, leading to a more balanced society.
