Conference turris::womannotes-v1

545.0. "SPINSTER, n. - a liberated woman" by FXADM::OCONNELL (Irish by Name) Tue Nov 10 1987 12:39

    While going through this conference, I couldn't help noticing how
    some contributors gave a negative connotation to the term "spinster".
     In actual fact the deriviation of the term "spinster" comes from
    the occupation -- someone who spins.  When spinning wool, flax,
    or cotton became a "for profit" occupation, as opposed to a
    housekeeping chore, young women started to become financially
    independent.  Until this time, unless you had inherited a living
    from your parents, et al, you relied heavily on some farmer or merchant
    to marry you in order to have a roof over your head, food and clothing.
     If you didn't get married, your prospects were limited...you either
    continued to live with your parents (and if they were poor they
    probably didn't appreciate that) or you worked as a servant.  You
    couldn't join the Army, as your brothers might have, you couldn't
    go to work as a farm laborer, you certainly couldn't study for a
    profession.  When spinning became a cottage industry, and later
    moved into the mills, women, for the first time, had a skill for
    which they were paid cash.  They could CHOOSE to marry or remain
    single.  
    
    In a way, the term Spinster was the first women's lib appelation.
    
    Roxanne 

    Thanks for the info!
    I've always thought the term, 'spinster' was hilarious and have
    used it jokingly.  When I turned 26 and hadn't been married yet,
    I called myself 'The Happy Spinster'.  It's nice when we can turn
    a negative image into something amusing.
    
    theresa.

    If I continue spinning in my spare time, I guess I'll be a spinster
    forever.
    
    Elizabeth