The Cult of True Womanhood: Women of the Mid-nineteenth Century and Their Assigned Roles as Reflected in Contemporary Writing

Abstract

Women of the mid-nineteenth century found themselves in a unique position brought on by changing social and economic structures. Technological advances and changes created opportunities for men to work outside of the home, earning enough money to support their families without assistance from their wives. This led to a push for women to stay in the home, as exemplars of four very important qualities: piety, purity, submissiveness and domesticity. These qualities were extolled through magazines and other writings of the time. There were voices speaking up against this new ideal, but it lasted intact until the advent of the Civil W ar when it began to change because of circumstances beyond the control of average Americans. In some form, however, some of the ideals are still encouraged even now.