Context

The context behind A Doll’s House is a clear reflection of a changing time with society changing for the better.

Women: Despite the fact that women’s rights were beginning to be enforced women still had little control and power over both political and personal freedom as within relationships, the dominant male in the female’s life basically controlled them, whether this be her father or husband they had major influence on a woman’s life, even if the wife was unhappy within a relationship a divorce was socially stigmatized and agreed to only if both partners signed therefore leading the male in control as he wouldn't sign. Money related to power and with poverty leading into women working they still had minimal power as the wage they were on in domestic jobs (such as teaching) had limited low pay as the middle class were so worried about the hierarchy being reformed which restricted freedom further. As women were fighting for rights they were making little progress with them achieving the same protection in the working place as little boys, the right to be educated at university and inheritance rights over wills. However, in 1888 married women in Norway were given control over there own money as in 1879 females couldn't borrow money without a male superiors consent (father or husband). In 1913 Norway in Europe allowed equal voting rights between men and women Men began to feel emasculated by women that were adopting jobs or gaining there own money as they did not have that much control or power over them anymore. 

Family Life: Family was very stereotypical with certain gender rolls having specific jobs within the home to ensure social structure was reinforced as women, as mentioned previously, had very little power when it came to political or economic issues as they were psychologically , socially and financially dependant on their male superior. Many wives wanted everything for there family which became challenged towards the end of the century as ideas began to change, the position of women was to look after the children and do domestic chores and jobs where as the males job was to bring home money and care about the appearance of his family ensuring his wife looked attractive and appealing.

Norway: In 1814 Norway was disbanded from Danish control which helped Norway gain power and an idea of their own cultural identity and society so personal and political freedom became extremely important to the people of Norway which was enforced in Ibsen’s play as it has themes of personal freedom and independence. Furthermore Norwegian identity was expanded on as in 1814 Landsmal developed giving Norway it’s own language instead of speaking Danish.