On the Move: Biography, Self-Help, and Feminism in the Women's Union Journal

This article examines how the Women's Union Journal (1876–90) built upon the popular mid-Victorian self-help movement by developing a collectivist model of self-help for women. The journal did so by publishing reports, book reviews, and biographical sketches of eminent women. It also fashioned Emma Paterson, the editor of the journal and the leader of the Women's Protective and Provident League, into a role model. Analysis of the journal provides insight into the tension between individualism and collectivism in the Victorian self-help and feminist movements.