Religion, philanthropy and social reform: meanings, motivations and interactions in the lives of nineteenth century Australian women

Swain examines the philanthropic activities of Victorian-era Australian women, primarily through their engagement with religious networks. The article details their motivations, including moral duty, social status, and religious calling, and explores how these women utilized their moral authority to influence reforms in welfare and education. It highlights the establishment of early patterns of female civic engagement, underscoring the significant role religion played in shaping women’s contributions to social reform in 19th-century Australia.