In the 19th century, many occupations were separated between males and females.
The separation of genders is known as “Separate Spheres,” which means that men and women only see each other at breakfast and dinner. This separation spheres idea occurred because it was believed that women were not physically as strong as men, but were morally superior to men. Due to being morally stronger than men, woman were in charge of taking care of the children and the house while the men would do tough, physical labor.
Women were required to learn basic information like the modern language, music, drawing, and dancing. However, doctor’s from the Victorian Era released a “study” that said that women who were intelligent had dried-up ovaries. By saying this, doctor’s got women to study less in fear of becoming unmarriageable due to their lack of beauty.
When women were around the age of twenty, they would marry in an arranged marriage. Typically the male would be about five years older than the women. This was so that the man could prove that he had enough money and a stable job to take care of a family.
In the 19th century, men were required to work hard every day to support their family. Most men were farmers, craftsmen, and metalworkers. Men were also supposed to participate in government activities.
During this time period, children who were part of wealthy, upper-class families were usually spoiled with toys and food. However, they did not spend much time with their parents and instead were raised by a nanny.
Children of families who did not have a lot of money, were usually raised by their parents, and worked a public job to help support their family. Lower-class children spent lots of time with their family because most lived in a small house and did not have a nanny like wealthy children.
Works Cited:
Hughes, Kathryn. “Gender Roles in the 19th Century.” British Library. British Library Board, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2016. <http://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/gender-roles-in-the-19th-century>.
Miller, Steven. “Men’s Roles in the 1800s.” EHow. Demand Media, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2016. <http://www.ehow.com/info_8495528_mens-roles-victorian-era.html>.
Price, Paxton. “Victorian Children in Victorian Times and How They Lived.” Victorian Children. N.p., 11 Dec. 12. Web. 06 Jan. 2016. <http://www.victorianchildren.org/victorian-children-in victorian-times/>.
Nice post. I find it interesting that women were thought to be morally superior to men but were looked down upon if they were well educated or intelligent.