The Union Dowry
To combat criticism that unions discouraged matrimony, the Women's Trade Union League begins offering cash incentives to members who marry.
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Marriage has received new partisan and financial patronage in the National Women's Trade Union League. This organization proposes to dower full-fledged members when they undertake matrimony. The size of the pot is commensurate with membership tenure: a woman who has belonged ten years receives $100, five years receives $50, and one year receives $10. The league has taken this action because of frequent criticism that working women's unions have a tendency to discourage marriage.
“This action [was taken] because of frequent criticism that working women's unions have a tendency to discourage marriage.”
This historical attempt to reconcile women's labor participation with societal expectations of marriage highlights the rigid gender roles of 1909. It provides a unique look at how early unions sought to maintain membership while navigating the pressure placed on women to choose between work and domestic life.
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