Charity, Challenge, and Change: Religious Dimensions of the Mid-Nineteenth Century Women’s Movement in Germany

This book examines the religious context from which emerged the German women’s movement in the mid-nineteenth century. During this period, Protestant and Catholic women alike began to participate in philanthropic activities such as nursing, childcare, and education. Alliances were formed between women of different faiths who desired to move beyond the feminization of charity to a participation in social change. While women continued to perform charitable work, they also became involved in the development of a new philosophy of early childhood which led to the kindergarten movement, and championed the introduction of higher education for women. Using extensive archival research, Catherine M. Prelinger has cast new light on the roots of the contemporary women’s movement in Germany through her analysis of the religious basis of its struggle.