Women in Antebellum America - Essay Example

PYGMALION OUTLINE AND CRITICISM BY NUMBER: Introduction The antebellum era simply covers the time when females were expected to observe purity, submission, piousness, as well as domestic roles within and outside the home. The antebellum encompasses the period between 1815 and 1860. The concept of “true womanhood” in America significantly empowered the woman of that time. On the other hand, the same phenomenon limited women as well. Women reactions to the social changes.Reform movements indicated optimism regarding the potential change in social life.

For many women, reform movements meant that it was therefore, their duty to improve and guard their families and homes through reforms promotion beyond their homes. Women acquired superiority in social matters, and their voice would thus be heard. Regarding the introduction of education for women, many women joined learning institutions to acquire relevant information which would enable, better their lives.Women Participation in Society.The education provides to women enabled them rear their children properly as well as providing significance influence to their husbands.

The same reasoning lead to the opening up of the teaching profession suitable for females since they were considered having moral superiority over men and were innately fit to handle children. The piety morality of women, as well as concern over families, presents the impetus into the involvement in antebellum movements’ reform.Additionally, education gave women the capacity to articulate problems they face, and eventually propose necessary alternatives. Reforms provided women with necessary ideologies, which facilitated the, establishment of this cause.

More conservative work charity attracted the upper classes’ members; more radical functions including abolitionism, helped draw men and women from social groups of lower levels. However, reformers of a working -class indicated less integration to such movements. Despite the fact that women suffered divisions from religion affiliation, class, and marital status, they indicated uniqueness in mind in the capacity to help others, a concept which was translated into women’s moral superiority overpowering men.

The concept of moral superiority boosted efforts to raise women’s political, economic, and legal position. Women, as well, contributed to the economy of the nation through taxation exercised on their earnings, given that their population was significantly high.The impact of religion was also evident in the history of American woman. The Divine Word (The Bible) puts it, “The wise women buildeth her house.” The implication of the wisdom in this context further indicates the capacity of women to identify the best end in order to accomplish the best end.

A wise woman always trains her children in the true wisdom of God, virtue, intelligence, as well as true happiness. Such a woman will ensure that her home provides the best approach for industry, health and economy for domestic success and enjoyment.Constrictions which faced women’s participation.While women were preferred for the teaching profession, males were, on the other hand, preferred males were preferred for medicine and law disciplines. Women were barred from such field in the allegation that they exhibited a “too delicate” feature.

The legal system of the state did not protect the rights of women optimally regarding their wages, property or even their children. Though movements concerning temperance and abolition were provided, men further strived to constrain activities of women. As early as 1852, women had no confidence in themselves that they could speak and/or act publicly or even in their home circles.Women were also denied human rights; resolutions were thus adopted in emphasizing that woman and man deserved equal recognition in society – privileges and full rights.

Additionally, as women assumed positions of leadership, often ridicules followed by the press. ConclusionThe era of antebellum marks a very important transition in the history of American women. The responsiveness rate of women to the new exposures of education and public involvement revealed their potential to achieve what had been denied them for long. Despite constant ridicules, women strived to attain positions they felt was their – especially to have a say and be heard.Reference:Dorsey, Bruce, Reforming Men and Women: Gender in the Antebellum City, 2002Garvey, Gregory, Creating the Culture of Reform in Antebellum America, 2006Ginzberg, D Lori, Women in Antebellum Reform, 2000Ryan, P Mary, Cradle of the Middle Class: The Family in Oneida County, New YorkWilliams, Francis Edmond, Give Me Liberty: Voice of Freedom, Norton & Company