Gender in An Inspector Calls

Gender is a key theme in J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls. The play, set in 1912 but written in 1945, reflects the social attitudes and expectations of men and women in Edwardian society. Priestley uses gender to highlight social inequality, power imbalances, and the limitations imposed on women. 

Gender and Social Expectations

In An Inspector Calls, men and women are expected to behave in very different ways. Women are often seen as weaker, more passive, or morally dependent on men, while men are given authority and control in both family and society. Mrs. Birling embodies the traditional female role: she is concerned with social status, appearances, and propriety. Her attitudes towards Eva Smith reveal the dangers of strict adherence to these social norms:

“As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!”

This statement shows Mrs. Birling’s snobbery and moral superiority. She judges Eva not on her actions, but on her social class and gender, implying that women of lower status are naturally inferior or immoral. Priestley uses Mrs. Birling to critique the way Edwardian society judged women harshly while excusing male privilege.

Male Authority and Power

Men in the play, particularly Mr. Birling, are associated with authority, control, and economic power. Mr. Birling is confident, patriarchal, and dismissive of the younger generation:

“A man has to make his own way – has to look after himself – and his family too.”

This statement reflects the gendered expectation that men are responsible for financial provision and decision-making. Mr. Birling’s attitude contrasts sharply with the vulnerability of women like Eva Smith, who have little control over their own lives. Priestley shows that this inequality is socially constructed, not natural, and highlights how gender and class intersect to create disadvantage.

Sheila Birling: Challenging Gender Norms

Priestley also explores the potential for women to break free from restrictive roles through the character of Sheila Birling. At the start of the play, Sheila appears somewhat naive and frivolous, typical of the Edwardian expectation that young women are sheltered and decorative. However, as the Inspector’s questioning progresses, she becomes increasingly aware of social injustice and her own responsibility:

“I know I’m to blame – and I’m desperately sorry.”

Sheila’s transformation demonstrates that women can be morally aware, assertive, and capable of change. Priestley uses Sheila to challenge traditional gender expectations, suggesting that women have an important role to play in creating a fairer, more responsible society.

Gender and Moral Responsibility

The theme of gender is also tied to responsibility. Women, like Sheila, are often judged more harshly for moral failings in Edwardian society, but Priestley subverts this expectation by showing that women can demonstrate insight and empathy, sometimes more than men. In contrast, the male characters, particularly Mr. Birling and Gerald Croft, initially resist accepting responsibility for their actions. Gerald’s treatment of Daisy Renton highlights gendered power dynamics: he exploits her vulnerability as a young working-class woman, demonstrating how men could abuse their social and economic advantage over women.

“I hate those hard-eyed dough-faced women.”

This quote, from Gerald, objectifies women and shows how male privilege allows him to act selfishly without considering the consequences for the women involved. Priestley uses these interactions to critique the gendered inequalities of the time and to emphasize the moral consequences of such behavior.

Language and Structure

Priestley uses language and dramatic techniques to explore gender differences. The older characters often speak in a commanding or judgmental tone, reflecting patriarchal authority, while the younger characters, particularly Sheila, use more reflective and questioning language. The Inspector acts as a moral equaliser, treating all characters (men and women) equally and forcing them to confront the consequences of their actions.

Dramatic irony also reinforces gender inequalities. The audience, aware of social change in 1945, recognizes the outdated views held by Mr. and Mrs. Birling, particularly their assumptions about women’s roles. This contrast between the characters’ attitudes and modern expectations highlights the injustice of gendered social norms.

Gender and Social Critique

Through the theme of gender, Priestley critiques the patriarchal society of 1912 and emphasises the need for social progress. He shows that women, when allowed to think independently, can demonstrate moral clarity and compassion. At the same time, he exposes the dangers of male dominance and social privilege, particularly when combined with wealth and authority. By presenting these contrasts, Priestley encourages the audience to reflect on issues of equality, fairness, and responsibility.

Gender in An Inspector Calls is central to understanding the characters, themes, and social critique of the play. Priestley contrasts the attitudes of men and women to highlight inequality, authority, and moral responsibility. The older male characters (Mr. Birling and Gerald) embody patriarchal power and social privilege, while characters like Sheila show the potential for women to challenge societal norms and act ethically. Mrs. Birling represents the dangers of adhering to rigid gender expectations, particularly when combined with social snobbery.

By examining gender,  we can see how Priestley critiques Edwardian society and promotes his vision of a fairer, more responsible world. The play shows that social change requires challenging outdated attitudes about both class and gender, and that women have a vital role to play in shaping a more just society.