urban settings and the resulting impact on their livelihoods. The opening of the book introduces the concept of the "women's question" as a historical issue, framing it within the context of medieval society. It highlights the author’s intention to explore the economic plight of women during this era, noting the statistical imbalance in gender ratios and how it forced many women into self-sustaining roles amid societal constraints. Büchner reflects on the evolving understanding of women's rights and roles, emphasizing that even in the past, discussions around women's employment were complex and layered with historical sociopolitical influences. Through a series of preliminary observations, the author sets the stage for a deeper investigation into women's experiences, labor, and societal expectations in the medieval framework. (This is an automatically generated summary.)