Women were perceived as unequal to men throughout the 19th Century. Before 1850, women's rights were limited. A system existed which was entirely patriarchal (governed by men). Britain was run by common law; a law which dictated that once a woman married, she ended up with no rights to anything, for example, the house she lived in, the money she earned or the clothes she wore, because they all belonged to her husband. If she divorced, even her children were taken away from her.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- Introduction
- The Victorian Notion of Women
- The Victorian Underbelly of Society
- The Victorian Notion of Marriage
- The Victorian Notion of Education
- The Victorian Notion of Work
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte
This essay aims to analyze the predominant Victorian notions about femininity in 19th century Britain. It explores the social, cultural, and legal frameworks that shaped women's lives and roles during this period.
- The Victorian perception of women's physical and intellectual inferiority
- The separation of spheres and the ideal of domesticity for women
- The impact of social reforms and the rise of women's rights movements
- The complexities of prostitution and its social implications
- The evolving roles of women in education and employment
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel
The essay begins by outlining the prevailing Victorian view of women as unequal to men, highlighting the patriarchal system that limited their rights and opportunities. It explores the concept of "separate spheres" and the societal expectations placed upon women to be wives and mothers, while men were expected to work and engage in the public sphere.
The essay then delves into the Victorian underbelly of society, examining the prevalence of prostitution and its social consequences. It discusses the moral anxieties surrounding prostitution, the spread of venereal diseases, and the efforts to regulate and control it. The essay also explores the role of prominent figures like Josephine Butler in challenging the Contagious Diseases Acts.
The essay further examines the Victorian notion of marriage, highlighting the legal and social constraints faced by women. It explores the reasons why women chose to marry despite the limitations imposed upon them, including the stigma associated with being a spinster and the desire for security and status.
The essay then analyzes the Victorian approach to education, contrasting the opportunities available to middle-class and working-class girls. It discusses the emergence of colleges for women and the efforts of individuals like Emily Davies to promote higher education for girls. The essay also explores the changing roles of working-class women in the workforce and the societal pressures they faced.
The essay concludes by examining the Victorian notion of work and the societal pressures placed upon women to remain at home. It explores the government legislation aimed at keeping women out of certain industries and the psychological factors that influenced women's choices. The essay highlights the contributions of individuals like Elizabeth Roberts in understanding the experiences of working-class women.
Schlüsselwörter
The key themes and keywords of this text include Victorian femininity, gender roles, social reform, women's rights, prostitution, education, employment, domesticity, separate spheres, and the impact of social and legal changes on women's lives in 19th century Britain.
- Quote paper
- Sylvia Coulson (Author), 2009, Victorian notions about femininity in 19th century Britain, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/280437
