Női karrier a fegyelmi intézmények között: lelencház- bordélyház-dologház-Magdolna otthon a századfordulón

Abstract

In the last third of the 19th century, the number of Hungary’s urban population mounted dramatically by the natural demographic procedures and the additional impact of industrialisation. All towns overcrowded the in-country migration since rural people flooded the urban areas following the demand of the labour market. Males moved first to the construction industry and new factories and females followed them subsequently. In the emerging urban environment, novel social relationships were created, which stigmatised and criminalised the former tolerated extramarital newborns as outlaws of the society. Charity services of religious organisations turned out to be insufficient, thus caring for these babies was taken over by the Welfare State institutions in the new established foundling hospitals. There were brutal abuses in these facilities: cruel punishments, sexual harassment and “accidental” death cases. Mortality rates in these facilities were extremely high (15-45%) nationwide, nevertheless paediatric diseases and disabilities contributed substantially to the passing away of many children. State care ended by the age of 15 years. Girls were pushed directly to prostitution, which was a strong disciplined “industry” with its specialities and obligations. Any ill behaviour paved the way to the workhouses. Those who wanted to leave the prostitution had to change to the so-called Madeleine Home where they were burdened with hard physical work. These correction facilities were unavoidable for all young girls without traditional family background.