The genre of women's fiction has changed throughout history as the role of women has changed. Although fiction, the literature within the genre has always reflected real concerns and desires of women. Women wrote and published about a variety of topics, both fiction and non-fiction. Before 1900, the majority of women publishing any form of literature were white and protestant. Many of these early women's fiction novels were written to be educational, as they often included overly curious female protagonists who were excited to learn, and as their knowledge about various subjects grew, so did the readers. The
interwar period of women's fiction was defined by literary critic Nicola Beauman as "a category of fiction written for women – ‘the women’s novel’ … They generally have little action and less histrionics – they are about the ‘drama of the undramatic’, the steadfast dailyness of a life that brings its own rewards, the intensity of the emotions and, above all, the importance of human relationships." During this period, a trend developed of middle class women writing for other middle class women. This resulted in the use of close, personal dialogue, as if the author was writing to a friend. This intimate address became a common trait in women's fiction, still used today. The
post-war period led to the increase in popularity of the women's fiction genre, as there was now an international trade of books. The role of women changed drastically post-war. More women were working in the post-war period than ever before, causing a shift in the traditional role of women in society, and therefore the gender dynamics within relationships as well. Women no longer relied on men to the same extent they had pre-war, which was reflected in the women's fiction of the time. The female protagonists of post-war women's fiction were increasingly independent. They took on both the traditionally male and female roles of the house and were free without men. Not only did the female protagonists change, but so did the male ones. The traditional heroes of romance novels no longer existed post-war. Now, a considerate, good citizen like a doctor was the epitome of attractiveness. This post-war change in the desires of fictional women reflects the change in desires of real women post-war. The decades of the 1960's and 70's brought new changes for women which found their way into women's fiction literature. The female protagonists of women's fiction novels were now sexually liberated. As the hormonal birth control pill became accessible for women in the 1960's they experienced sexual liberation and could now choose to have sex without having to worry about pregnancy. This was not the only new freedom found in the women's fiction of the time though, many novels began depicting single mothers: independent characters who do not rely on their husbands to help raise a family, and apprehensive pregnant women: characters who do not want to have children or who feel unsure about having children. Then, the 70's introduced a sub-genre of women's fiction known as the
college girl novel. This sub-genre aligns with the passing of
Title IX, which caused an increase in women seeking higher education. == Contemporary women's fiction ==