Ruth Gustafson facts for kids

Ruth Valborg Maria Gustafson, born Pettersson (July 8, 1881 – April 5, 1960), was an important Swedish politician. She was a Social Democrat, which means she believed in fairness and helping all people in society. Ruth was also a union worker, a strong supporter of women's rights, and an editor.

She served on the Stockholm city council from 1919 to 1938. Later, she became a member of the Swedish parliament from 1933 to 1960. Ruth also worked as an editor for the social democratic newspaper Morgonbris during two periods: 1908–1910 and 1919–1921. She was part of the National Association for Women's Suffrage from 1902 to 1921, where she spoke for the more progressive ideas within the movement.

Ruth Gustafson's Life and Work

Ruth Gustafson was born in Stockholm. Her parents were Fredrik Teodor Pettersson, a caretaker, and Anna Lovisa Johansson. In 1912, she married Hjalmar Albin Gustafson, who was an editor and a member of parliament. They divorced in 1934.

Ruth grew up in a home where her parents were interested in socialism. They believed in workers' rights. Her father was even involved in union work. Ruth became active in the social democratic movement in the 1890s. She joined youth clubs in Stockholm.

She officially became a member of the Social Democratic party in 1902. After that, she often spoke for the party. She looked up to other strong women like Kata Dalström and Anna Sterky. Ruth was known for her modern ideas. She wanted to separate the church from the government. She also supported civil marriage, which is a marriage done by the government, not a church.

Ruth believed that couples living together without being married should have legal rights. She herself lived with her future husband for six years before they married. She also worked to protect children. She wanted to stop child labor, making sure children were not used for work.

Ruth Gustafson was a key leader for women's rights. She worked within the social democratic party and the working-class movement. At that time, many working-class women preferred to fight for their rights through trade unions. They often felt that women's rights organizations were mostly for upper-class women. Ruth was an important voice for these women within her party. The party often focused on workers' rights first. Even though women were active in politics, it was still a new idea for some.

Ruth Gustafson passed away in Stockholm in 1960.