Contextualising gender expectations in ‘An Inspector Calls'

Arguably, gender stereotypes and expectations exist in society and impact the way we perceive ourselves and others. Gender and class are inextricably linked and impact the lives and experiences of people differently. Gender roles were more traditionally defined in Edwardian society. Priestley was writing in post-war Britain which saw the traditional expectations of gender roles being challenged. Priestley’s ending is both hopeful, with characters challenging views, and futile, as society repeats its mistakes.