(Exhibition text in English, referring to a QR code in the exhibition)
In 1920, half of Sweden’s population is under the age of 30. One third of those in employment belong to a growing working class, with many more labouring in agriculture. Women who work without pay in family businesses or on farms are not considered part of the workforce. They are ’housewives’.
In the early 1920s, Sweden is affected by major labour market conflicts, unemployment and pay cuts. The Eligibility Act comes into force in 1925. It gives women the right to employment in Civil Service. However, women cannot join the military, the police force or the clergy.
Despite the introduction of the eight-hour working day in 1919, half of all employees are still working significantly longer hours five years later. Holidays are for senior civil servants and military officers only. Others depend on the goodwill of their employer to get a few days off, possibly with pay – if they have a generous boss.