Women’s Rights

Context: Women have played multiple roles in society since the birth of the U.S. In the 1790’s, women were tied to house and families, usually confined to only those two and their home duties. As the time went on, they slowly grew more freedoms such as playing a part in reform movements, working in factories, leading strikes, and etc.

Thesis: The roles of Women, throughout the 19th century, though with little impact, were those of revolution for rights and liberty, starting with their right to work alongside the common man.

Economic Standpoint Economically, women in the 1790’s were limited since their husbands earned all the money and were responsible for everything such as financial, and social profits. Due to the market revolution, women were steadily becoming economically independent, starting work in factories, despite low wages and poor conditions. Issues began arising from the low wages paid to women due to the “Cult of Domesticity”, This cult believed that men and women had their separate spheres, or roles in life, such as men having to make all of the money while women should stay at home and teach the children about democracy.

Concluding Statement Despite their efforts, they made little effect in terms of their freedom, both economically and socially. Even after the Market Revolution, men and women were treated unequally. It is mainly due to patriarchy, via the Cult of Domesticity, that women were essentially separated by spheres of influence, believing that women should be confined to their home duties, house and the raising of the children, while the Men/Husbands worked to support the family. This resulted in men and women taking two very strong and very different roles in society.