Sisters across the sea: Early Norwegian feminists and their American connections

Abstract

The organized feminist movement in Norway post-dated the American movement by almost 40 years. During the pre-organizational stage, intriguing descriptions of American women and their social conditions were received in Norway. A number of dynamic Norwegian women were motivated to emigrate to the more compatible New World environment. After the formation of the Norwegian Feminist Society in 1884 and the launching of its journal Nylaende in 1887, Norwegian feminist enjoyed direct and frequent contact with the American movement. Nylaende developed a following among Norwegian-American women, who themselves served as an important cross-cultural link. American feminism had a practical, psychological, and even symbolic impact upon Norwegian feminists, as they developed their priorities and tested their wings. In particular, the American movement provided valuable role models. The Norwegians followed with great interest the entrance of American women into diverse occupations and the American struggle to win the vote. When Norwegian women obtained the right to vote in national elections (1907 with restrictions; 1913 full suffrage), they reciprocated with support and a positive example for their American sisters. The Norwegian and American movements displayed not only a sense of shared mission; they provided mutual encouragement and support.