Women have always faced unequal roles in society compared to men. Research has demonstrated that women are particularly impacted by this disparity, often encountering double standards and difficult obstacles, especially related to their economic and financial status.
The text examines how women in the nineteenth century were often seen as inferior and had less importance in household roles compared to men. Men also held more authority in decision making. The paper specifically analyzes Henry Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, which depicts the gender roles of the Victorian era in both domestic and societal contexts.
The problem of Separate spheres ideology and its contribution This ideology was widely used in late Victorian society and became a popular metaphor among historians when analyzing the roles of women. It suggested that men and women had separate spheres of life with distinct roles. These roles were considered virtual opposites with unique attributes and characteristics assigned to each gender, which were seen as legitimate.
According to the given ideologies, there were two spheres: public and private life. Men, collectively referred to as husbands or men in general, were considered responsible for the public sphere. Conversely, women, or more accurately, all women in general, were tasked with managing the private sphere. Men had obligations such as working, voting in elections, and participating in civic duties.
Contrary to women’s expected roles under this ideology, they were supposed to be homemakers, caring for their children, cooking for their husbands, and managing domestic duties. As a result of these distinct ideologies, various gender-related problems emerged. One prominent issue was the implicit categorization of white, Protestant, middle-class individuals as the standard or perfect gender roles that fortunate individuals should strive to adhere to.
In the same context, middle-class values were considered as synonymous with American values. This led to society being divided into two “natural” classes. The first class was comprised of Men who attained economic success through their own skills and played a role in building the American empire. The second class included certain women, whose domestic responsibilities maintained social order and resilience.
In summary, protective legislation was established to advise the President of the United States on issues affecting women and seek solutions for them. It was meant to provide a decent foundation for public activity by addressing gender equity concerns sought by women reformers.
The main goal was to address employment issues, especially those affecting women. Laws were put in place to limit working hours for women and children in certain professions and ensure they received a minimum wage for their work. However, the legislation also specified that men and women should be treated differently in their respective workplaces.
The Act had the objective of safeguarding and advancing women’s survival and well-being, appealing to them for various reasons. Initially, it acknowledged the risks faced by women in employment due to their physical differences from men. Additionally, it acknowledged that prolonged working hours resulted in chronic fatigue, negatively impacting women’s health. Lastly, it underscored the potential consequences on future generations stemming from the decline in women’s health.
The 1935 Social Security Act had a significant impact on addressing gender bias in society, and women reformers played a crucial role in supporting this legislation. The Act encompassed numerous provisions that directly addressed assumptions based on gender, adapting its responses to the changing economic conditions, evolving roles of women, and the perspectives of minority groups in the United States of America.
In relation to the economic dependence that posed a significant challenge during that period, addressing its volatility was crucial to ensure equal protection for all genders, particularly women who experienced significant hardship. The Act emphasized that benefits were due to women (specifically mothers). The Courts directed that these benefits should be paid to insured widows who were caring for the worker’s child.
The Act provided financial support for widowed women, allowing them to provide for their children even if they had no means of earning money. This provision specifically benefitted women whose husbands had passed away, and they favored it because it allowed them to collect a higher net benefit since they typically lived longer. Consequently, their wage levels were raised in accordance with this Act.
On the other hand, women reformers at the time actively supported the legislation as it challenged male dominance in terms of earnings and provided women with an opportunity for more equal distribution of funds. The provisions of the 1946 Employment Act stated that men participating in the Social Security Fund would experience a significant loss of money, whereas women’s active involvement in the Fund resulted in a higher income for them. This highlights the impact of the legislation on gender roles.
The establishment of the federal government aimed to ensure financial stability and accountability, a response to the challenges faced by the American government during World War II. Its purpose was to rescue the nation from its economic crisis and it was acknowledged that this initiative had numerous societal benefits.
The Act sought to promote post-World War II employment opportunities for individuals of all genders. It involved assigning suitable positions to men and women, aiming to enhance productivity and expand job prospects for both sexes. Its objective was to revitalize the American economy by ensuring equitable job market access and shared responsibilities between genders in productive roles.
The concept of fairness towards women has undergone a significant transformation in terms of their societal existence and ideological perspectives. During the Victorian era, women made various endeavors to enhance their recognition in the public sphere and sought equality as a result of their relentless efforts.
This class focuses on the importance of recognizing and respecting women’s uniqueness, separate from being constantly compared to men. The rationale behind this change is significant. Firstly, many of the jobs occupied by women were poorly paid and offered substandard working conditions. Certain suffrage organizations advocated for the enhancement of women’s work environments.
These groups were vocal and largely responsible for the significant changes in labor laws referred to as ‘protective legislation’. In conclusion, it is important to recognize that gender roles have evolved significantly. This includes the Victorian era until now, where the idea of separate ideologies is less prominent. Society as a whole has moved towards a more equal approach to gender roles.
The following is the work cited: “Work cited“.
- Sonya, R. O. ‘Protective labor legislation in nineteenth-century Britain : gender, class and the Liberal state’. In Frader, Laura L. , 1945
- Rose, Sonya O. (ed. ), (Ithaca (NY): Cornell University Press, 1996
- Zappone, K. E. Charting the Equality Agenda, Equality Commission for NI and the Equality Authority. (2001)
- Bailey, S. K. Congress Makes a Law: The Story behind the Employment Act of 1946. New York: Columbia University Press, 1950.
- Shoemaker, R. B. Separate spheres? Ideology and practice in London gender relations, Stanford (CA): Stanford University Press, 1999), 266-287.
