Hi Phil, I think the author is describing the operators on the telephone exchanges of the time. They wouldn't have been upper class women, but I imagine they were probably selected for desirable attributes, such as dexterity and courtesy. You make a good point, actually, because this quote suggests that these were expected feminine attributes even at middle and working class levels of society.
Yes, I agree that Mr Casson was describing switchboard operators of that era.
I talked about your post with some friends and asked them whether women circa 1900 were - more so than men - attentive, patient, courteous etc because they were expected to be or because women are just naturally so. My friends assured me that women are naturally better. Privately I still harbour the suspicion that, as you say, cultural expectations may play a role.
Incidentally, I decided to explore further by reading Mr Casson's book. I have only reached Chapter IV but already find it tells a story that is quite different to your brief summary on "Costly Calls". There is no suggestion that his work is better than yours, or vice versa, but I am interested in the effect the two works have on their readers.
Imagine, for example, Australian ten-year-olds in 2025 reading "Costly Calls" and "The History of the Telephone". What key messages would they likely glean from each?
When the feminine touch is described as "The quiet voice, the deft fingers, the patient courtesy and attentiveness..."
Is the author describing all women of that era or just some? I suspect the description only applies to girls who have been properly brought up.
Hi Phil, I think the author is describing the operators on the telephone exchanges of the time. They wouldn't have been upper class women, but I imagine they were probably selected for desirable attributes, such as dexterity and courtesy. You make a good point, actually, because this quote suggests that these were expected feminine attributes even at middle and working class levels of society.
Hi Alison, thanks for the reply.
Yes, I agree that Mr Casson was describing switchboard operators of that era.
I talked about your post with some friends and asked them whether women circa 1900 were - more so than men - attentive, patient, courteous etc because they were expected to be or because women are just naturally so. My friends assured me that women are naturally better. Privately I still harbour the suspicion that, as you say, cultural expectations may play a role.
Incidentally, I decided to explore further by reading Mr Casson's book. I have only reached Chapter IV but already find it tells a story that is quite different to your brief summary on "Costly Calls". There is no suggestion that his work is better than yours, or vice versa, but I am interested in the effect the two works have on their readers.
Imagine, for example, Australian ten-year-olds in 2025 reading "Costly Calls" and "The History of the Telephone". What key messages would they likely glean from each?