The term “Victorian” remains a living concept in our daily society. The term is related to the reign of Queen Victoria of England from 1837 to 1901. Since it covers a wide time span, the era has been divided into the early-Victorian period (1837-1851), the mid-Victorian period (1851-1875) and the late-Victorian period (1875-1901). “Victorian” is also used today to describe British furniture and architecture made during the greater part of the 19th century. Additionally it refers to British literary works which were written, for instance by Wilkie Collins or Charles Dickens. Furthermore specific social and moral attitudes are associated with the word “Victorian.”
The Victorian age was an age of transition. England was transformed from a feudal and agricultural society into an industrial democracy. Nevertheless the process of the industrial revolution did not only create progress but also problems. One drawback was the hierarchy which was created in the British society leading to a division of people into distinctive social classes. In order to analyze the class distinctions more precisely this term paper concentrates on the specific class divisions that arose especially between the middle class and the working class and on how these differences were characterized. In addition, the three well known Victorian values of the middle and working class, family life, respectability and self-help, are defined and discussed.
Due to the fact that it is not possible to discuss the whole Victorian period as one homogenous era, the discussion of the social classes and their values is restricted to the mid-Victorian period. In order to understand the society in the Victorian era it is necessary to depict a brief overview of the historical circumstances concerning the Victorian society.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical Context
- Social Class and Class Distinctions
- The Aristocracy
- The Middle Class
- The Working Class
- Victorian Values
- The Family
- Respectability and Self-Help
- References
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper aims to analyze the social class distinctions in mid-Victorian England, focusing on the relationships between the middle and working classes. It further explores three prominent Victorian values—family life, respectability, and self-help—as they manifested within these classes. The paper is limited in scope to the mid-Victorian period to allow for a more focused and in-depth examination.
- Social class divisions in mid-Victorian England
- The characteristics of the aristocracy, middle class, and working class
- The role of family life in Victorian society
- The importance of respectability and self-help in shaping social behavior
- The historical context of the mid-Victorian period and its impact on social structures
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by defining the concept of "Victorian" and its multifaceted implications, encompassing social, moral, and aesthetic aspects. It highlights the transition from a feudal, agrarian England to an industrial democracy, emphasizing the resultant class divisions and the paper's focus on the middle and working classes. The chapter also establishes a clear limitation of the scope to the mid-Victorian period, justifying the need for a historical overview to enhance the understanding of the ensuing analysis. The introduction effectively outlines the paper's central objectives and approach.
Historical Context: This chapter provides a concise historical overview of the Victorian era, segmented into early, mid, and late periods. It details significant events and changes in each period, including the social and political upheaval of the early Victorian era, the industrial progress and relative domestic stability of the mid-Victorian period (the focus of the paper), and the economic slowdown and continued political development of the late Victorian era. The chapter highlights key legislative advancements, such as the Reform Bills, the Education Act, and the Factory Act, showcasing the evolving political landscape and its influence on social conditions. The chapter emphasizes the significance of Queen Victoria's growing influence and the achievements displayed at the Great Exhibition of 1851.
Social Class and Class Distinctions: This chapter delves into the intricacies of the Victorian class system, emphasizing that social standing wasn't solely determined by wealth but also by manners, speech, clothing, education, and values. It notes the tendency of individuals to associate within their respective social classes, which influenced their beliefs and attitudes. While the chapter acknowledges the existence of the aristocracy, it prioritizes a detailed examination of the distinctions between the middle and working classes. The chapter lays the groundwork for the following discussion of Victorian values by highlighting how social class impacted people's beliefs and behaviors.
Keywords
Mid-Victorian England, social class, class distinctions, Victorian values, family, respectability, self-help, industrialization, social hierarchy, middle class, working class, historical context, Great Exhibition, Reform Bills.
Victorian England: Social Class and Values - FAQ
What is the overall purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a term paper analyzing social class distinctions and prominent Victorian values in mid-Victorian England. It includes a table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main topics covered in the term paper?
The term paper focuses on social class divisions in mid-Victorian England, specifically examining the relationships between the middle and working classes. It explores three key Victorian values: family life, respectability, and self-help, and how these manifested within different social classes. The historical context of the mid-Victorian period is also a significant element.
What is the time period under examination?
The paper specifically limits its scope to the mid-Victorian period, allowing for a more focused and in-depth analysis of the social and cultural aspects of that era.
Which social classes are analyzed in detail?
While acknowledging the aristocracy, the paper primarily focuses on a detailed comparison and contrast of the middle and working classes in mid-Victorian England, examining their distinct characteristics, beliefs, and behaviors.
What are the key Victorian values explored in the paper?
The three main Victorian values explored are family life, respectability, and self-help. The paper investigates how these values influenced social behavior and relationships within the different social classes.
What historical context is provided?
The paper provides a historical overview of the Victorian era, divided into early, mid, and late periods, highlighting significant events, social and political changes, and key legislative advancements (Reform Bills, Education Act, Factory Act) that shaped the social landscape.
What is the significance of the mid-Victorian period?
The mid-Victorian period is chosen for its relative domestic stability and industrial progress, providing a focused context for studying the social dynamics and values of the time. The Great Exhibition of 1851 is mentioned as a significant achievement of the era.
How was social class determined in Victorian England?
Social standing in Victorian England wasn't solely determined by wealth; factors such as manners, speech, clothing, education, and values also played significant roles in defining social class and influencing social interactions.
What are the key words associated with this term paper?
Key words include: Mid-Victorian England, social class, class distinctions, Victorian values, family, respectability, self-help, industrialization, social hierarchy, middle class, working class, historical context, Great Exhibition, Reform Bills.
What is included in the provided preview?
The preview includes a table of contents, the paper's objectives and key themes, chapter summaries outlining the content of each chapter, and a list of keywords.
- Quote paper
- Alexandra Köhler (Author), 2007, Social Class of the Mid-Victorian Period and its Values , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/116639
