THE CATHOLIC WOMEN'S PRESS IN INTERWAR POLAND: IN LOOKING FOR THE FIGURE OF AN IDEAL WOMAN

Abstract

This article explores the representation of the ideal woman and femininity in the Polish interwar Catholic women's press, focusing on two selected publications – «Kuźniczanka» and «Gazeta dla kobiet.» In the 1920s and 1930s in Poland, Catholic periodicals were widely circulated, and the women's press developed against the backdrop of social changes caused by World War I. The Catholic women's press promoted a religious and nationalist worldview while paying attention to the new emancipation of women. In creating the image of the ideal woman, the Polish Catholic interwar press sought to influence its readers' behavior and life strategies. The article analyzes how these publications shaped the image of the ideal woman and femininity, as well as the consequences of such representation for their readership. «Gazeta dla Kobiet» emphasized the care and upbringing of children, highlighting the irreplaceable role of the mother in these areas. It advocated for constant maternal contact with the child, rationality, and moderation in relationships. The importance of religious education was also emphasized. «Kuźniczanka,» a publication that gained popularity at the national level, aimed at the religious education of adult women and the formation of a patriotic position. The magazine promoted the concept of hardworking, modest living and active participation in public work. The magazine sought to prepare its readers for the fulfillment of daily family duties and protect them from worldly temptations. The ideal woman depicted in the pages of «Kuźniczanka» was a prudent wife and mother, skilled in organizing household affairs, and a sensitive educator of the weak or socially marginalized. Both publications promoted an ideal image of a woman based on religious norms, virtuosity, hard work, and modesty. This model served to mobilize defenders of religious and national values and moral traditionalism. It also emphasized the crucial role of a properly educated woman in creating optimal conditions for the development of younger generations.