As such, a woman had no legal control over her person, her own land and money, or her children. Mrs Birling is a middle class woman of considerable influence, involved in charity work, considered a suitable occupation for a lady in society. Women of higher classes did not work, but did only charitable work. Sheila follows this path by not working, the only occupation mentioned which she does is shopping. Eva is a working class girl, possibly an orphan, who has to work for a living and is seen to be completely at the mercy of men.
Some historical background and events to be acknowledged to the play are the maiden voyage of the Titanic whose imminent departure is mentioned in the play; Captain Scott's failure to reach the South Pole first and the developing Suffrage movement campaigning for women's rights. Turbulence within society was developing as coal miners and others in society were striking for better pay and conditions. Unrest was beginning in Russia, (mentioned in the play), and trade unions were beginning to gain some power in society. Alongside advances in technology, (electric lighting in homes and cinema), motor transport for the rich, were highlighting inequalities in society. Cars were owned by those rich enough to do so and no help was forthcoming for the poor. There was no DHS or NHS and life expectancy was around forty-six years. .
An Inspector Calls is a story of the visit by an Inspector to an apparently normal' family, the Birlings. They are celebrating Sheila Birling's engagement to Gerald Croft, who is also present. When the Inspector arrives, he tells them of the suicide of a young girl called Eva Smith. At first they deny any knowledge of the girl, but as the play goes on the Inspector manages to show that they all helped kill her.