Graduate Students

Moore, Anne L. - M.A

The Effect of Social and Economic Changes on Rural Women in Ontario: 1870-1911 - Dr. Terry Crowley, advisor

         This thesis examined the effect of social and economic changes in the second half of the nineteenth century on rural women in Ontario. The major source was three agricultural papers published in the province during this period as well as statistical information from the census. Based on this evidence three major conclusions were reached. The first was that women's role and work were not reduced despite technological change and innovations. Women continued to contribute to the overall economic well-being through market and home production. Not surprisingly women played a major role within a system based upon kinship--the family farm. The second conclusion of this thesis was that combining sources is a critical step to writing total history. Much of women's production was based upon part-time or seasonal endeavours and was not likely recorded by the census. Literary sources such as letters, diaries, and newspapers provide evidence and confirmation of this work. The third and final conclusion is the importance of using and understanding gender relations in rural history. Rural women were identified through their relationship with men and should not be studied in isolation.