Robot Says…

The "service" industry is central to understanding the economic and social context of An Inspector Calls, particularly in relation to class and inequality in Edwardian England.
The play highlights the exploitation of workers in industries like retail and hospitality, where employees often endured long hours, low wages, and poor working conditions. This is exemplified by Eva Smith, who worked in a shop after being dismissed from her factory job.
Mr Birling, a wealthy capitalist, represents the employers who prioritised profit over workers’ welfare. He states, "If you don't come down sharply on some of these people, they'd soon be asking for the earth!" This underscores his dismissive attitude towards workers in the "service" industry.
The play critiques the lack of social responsibility among the wealthy. Sheila Birling shows some awareness of her privilege when she admits, "I went to the manager at Milwards and told him that if they didn’t get rid of that girl, I’d never go near the place again." Her actions directly lead to Eva Smith losing her job at the shop, demonstrating the vulnerability of service industry workers to the whims of the upper classes.
Priestley uses the "service" industry as a microcosm to explore broader themes of social inequality and injustice. The treatment of Eva Smith by the Birlings and Gerald Croft reflects the systemic exploitation of working-class individuals.
The Inspector’s message, "We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other," challenges the audience to rethink their attitudes towards workers in industries like the "service" sector and to consider the ethical implications of their actions.
The play’s setting in 1912, a time of growing labour unrest, adds historical context. Workers in industries such as retail, like Eva Smith, were beginning to demand better conditions and rights, foreshadowing the social changes that would follow.
Priestley’s post-war audience in 1945 would have been keenly aware of the need for greater fairness and social responsibility in all industries, including the "service" sector. The play encourages them to reflect on how systemic change could prevent the exploitation of vulnerable workers in the future. </aside>

<aside> 🔑

Resources

<aside> 🎨

Remarkable Revision

©️ George Stark, 2024-2026

</aside>

<aside> 📺

YouTube

⏱️ Coming soon…

</aside>