Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine the effects that the Irish Potato Famine 1845-1852 had on the roles of women. The goal is to exhibit that the Famine was a watershed for women’s roles. Before the Famine, women were active in the public sphere; however, post Famine women were strongly involved in the private sphere. The research method used was the examination of women’s lives and roles pre, during, and post Irish Potato Famine. This research led to the conclusion that the Famine was a watershed for women.  While women were active in the family pre-Famine, they were also active in the economic sphere and the public sphere through charity. During the Famine, women were active in food riots and workhouses. Post-Famine, women, while working along with Catholic Priests, were very active in the private sphere. This research demonstrates that through their role in the family women actively shaped post-Famine Irish culture and society.