Introduction:


One of the most defining aspects of life in America during the 19Th century was the role that women had in society. It is uncanny to think of the differences between the position of women today and the position of women during that time period. Women were expected to mind the house and watch the children. It was thought wrong for women to be educated like men. The Cult of Domesticity eventually evolved out of these ideas. This four part “cult” epitomized the perfect women. These four parts included domesticity, piety, purity, and submissiveness. Although some of the aspects of the cult were heavily followed, women were often angry about the little respect they received. Many women began to fight for their rights. Because the Cult of Domesticity was extremely difficult to follow, women didn’t question radicals amongst them. the unfeasible expectations set by the Cult of Domesticity instigated changes in the extent to which its elements were followed.


I am aware that this introduction needs A LOT of work...

Weaknesses :(

In order to be successful in this project, I will need to further research all of the topics in order to have a sufficient amount of information. I will also need to get more resources, mainly books.

Thesis: The unfeasible expectations set by the Cult of Domesticity instigated change in the extent to which its elements were followed.


Outline:

A. Intro

B. Cult of Domesticity:
I. Domesticity
1.Definition/Overview
2. Alice Morse Earle
II. Piety
1. Definition/Overview
2. Background of religion during this time period
III. Purity:
1.Definition/Overview
2. Dating rituals?
IV. Submissiveness
1. Definition/Overview
2. Scientific Sexism
C. Examples of Women breaking the cult
-more research needed….

D. Conclusion

Thesis

Thesis: Although some of the elements of the Cult of Domesticity held true, many women did not follow all of the expectations.

Negatives:
-Not a lot of information on the topic.
-Not a lot of solid sources.

Positives:
-Interesting