Domestic Role of Women during the 19th Century; An overview

It is often noted that the mane role of women during this time period was to take care of the family. “Domestic Goddess” is the term commonly used to describe what the common women wanted to achieve in life. Along with taking care of their home, women were expected to be religious and moral as well. If they even acted the slightest bit immoral, they were immediately outcast as sinners. In one artice, it is said that women were seen as the “Moral backbone of society.“ There were no career goals and taking care of the family and household was very much seen as an occupation. It was often an exchange of roles and the opposite gender heavily relied on the other’s role in the marriage. The men were depended on primarily for an income and economic support. They provided shelter and food. The women were to provide fostering and care for the children. Although both men and women were often not happy with their roles, women managed by trying to epitomize a homemaker and be the best wife possible. They men usually took pride in being able to provide for the family. Even though their roles were at opposite sides of the spectrum, most people during this era respect the opposite gender and their role. It is said they were nearly seen as equals, though women did not have equal rights in society.

Citation:
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Serrano, Carey. "19th Century Female Domesticity: The American and European
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