In the play, Shaw set out to challenge the satisfaction of his audience and weaken some of their most deep-rooted notions.
He draws public attention to the truth that
prostitution is caused, not by
female depravation, but simply by underpaying, undervaluing, and overworking women, in a capitalist and chauvinist society. These controversies develop through the different characters particularly, and the theme is analysed in the relation between Vivie and her mother.