'Our Friends In The North' change in Mary + wider context

How does Mary change and how does this represent the wider context?

With contrast to the previous scene Mary seems less passive, when in conversation with Tosca she questions him and has a more equal say in the conversation, whereas before she would have tolerated Tosca's strong willed manner. Mary's changed attitude as stronger, less passive and independent women reflects the wider context and ideology at the time. Women where bringing to push for independence and break free from the constraint of a patriarchal society, the development of a strong willed feminist movement which prompted the change of social values and representation of women.

What signs are there that Tosca and Mary have different ideologies? Who struggles with the shift in hegemony?

The conversation between Mary and Tosca in this scene reveals a clear clash of ideologies. Mary is pushing for independence, to break free from the constraint as a housewife and an arrogant strong willed husband. Tosca views Mary’s want for such things as selfish. He does not believe it is right for her to want to be independent, get qualifications and separate from the ideology of a housewife which, is what Tosca would much for prefer she to be. Tosca  believes that he should not have to financially support her and pay for house keepers, when he believes she should be doing it. Tosca is fixed in a then growing old ideology of an obedient housewife. Tosca is arrogant to the change of social values and the increasing strength of the feminist social movement. He is arrogant because he struggles with the unfolding shift in hegemony; his arrogance helps him believe that it is not happening.