Women’s Liberation: The Biggest Contributor?
What invention can be given the most credit for freeing women across the western world from household drudgery, which up until the early 20th Century was, more or less, the average woman’s lot? Women really began to break free of the domestic straightjacket during the First World War and in the Second World War they proved that they could handle pretty well any job they chose. Women had a taste of what it was like to earn their own money (and thus their own freedom), and as such returning the gals to their pre-war role of domestic servant was a task doomed to failure. To complete their newfound liberation women needed something to give them the time and energy to be both domestic goddess and bread winner (if that’s what they wanted to do).
The pill? The sexual revolution of the 1960s? Never mind them! What had the most liberating effect on generations of housewives and working women was the humble washing machine. Early twin tubs ensured convenience and the ability to clean all sorts of new materials. Aspects such as a 1200 rpm spin (so you save time drying) and an incorporated display telling you the time remaining before the load will be finished are features of top end Bosch washing machines, for example. As much as 20% can be saved on energy, or if you’re in a hurry all wash times can be cut in half while still leaving the laundry perfect.
Top end Bosch washing machines for example feature a 1200 rpm spin (so you save time drying) and incorporates a display giving you time remaining so you know when the load will be finished. They can save as much as 20% on energy or if you’re in a rush, can cut all wash times in half but still leave the laundry perfect. Top of the range LG washing machines deliver a 1400 rpm spin, fantastic energy efficiency and even use steam technology to save more time and money while delivering pristine laundry results. So sisters may have burned their bras, but not before they washed them in the device that has rescued more women from back-breaking drudgery than any amount of equality legislation ever could.
Hotpoint washing machines