500 years of women in printing

Abstract

THE AIM OF THE PAPER
Improving equal opportunities for women has been an important social issue for decades. The aim of this study is to examine the situation of women specifically in the printing industry through a systematic literature review. It explores which topics have been addressed by researchers and whether publications can be grouped around themes. Do the themes and research areas identified provide a basis for formulating further research questions.

METHODOLOGY
Web of Science search results were processed using PRISMA methodology, resulting in the identification of 45 relevant publications. The content of the publications was analysed and coded according to 4 themes.

MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS
The relevant publications are grouped around 4 themes: There have been numerous publications on the extraordinary and successful women who ran printing manufactories before the industrial revolution after losing their entrepreneurial husbands or fathers. Inheriting the family business, they felt responsible for running it. Yet after the Industrial Revolution, i.e. the spectacular mechanisation of industry, women were mainly engaged in more simple manual work as folders and seamstresses, i.e. the lower prestige and lower-paid tasks of bookmaking. The reasons for this situation have been examined by several researchers. Their results summarise that male-dominated union activity has contributed significantly to inequality. In addition, the works of art and innovations in approach produced by women have often not received the spotlight they deserved in their time. Sometimes women published outstanding works under their husbands’ names because they were better ‚sold’. In recent years, a number of researchers, historians and editors have sought to raise public awareness of these forgotten works and the exceptional women who produced them. Throughout history, women in many countries have joined forces in various ways to break male dominance. In England, for example, women have set up their own printing organisation, the Women’s Printing Society, in response to the ‚threat’ of trade unions. But a similar women’s movement emerged in 19th century America.

RECOMMENDATIONS
The results of a systematic literature search have shown the extent of the inequality of opportunity that exists today and the reasons for it. At the same time, it points the way forward for women to take the steps that are possible and necessary to increase gender equality through women’s coalitions.