The life of women in Victorian times
The Victorian era was a period of sweeping extremes, characterized by industrial reforms, cultural transformations, scientific progress, elegant living, and extreme poverty and wars. The Victorian era lasted from 1837 to 1901, when Queen Victoria reigned, although many historians believe that the Reform Act of 1832 marks the start of the Victorian era.
Women’s lives in Victorian times were generally centered around family commitments. Women were seen as temples of love and purity, so they could not be used for physical exercise or pleasurable sex. The only role of women in Victorian times was to marry and take care of the housework. The young women were well prepared to marry and had to be innocent, virtuous, docile and obedient. The young women were mainly educated in achievements such as French, drawing, painting, singing, dancing, everything that helped them to get a perfect suitor!
Few women stayed in bed, past dawn. They ran the household, prepared meals for their husbands and children, made clothes for everyone, and grew everything the family ate. Women were also supposed to take care of someone who was sick. In addition, mental illness and alcoholism also add to women’s burdens. The women were also in charge of sewing, weaving and painting the clothes. The ladies made sure that the home was a place of comfort and comfort for the husband and children, free from all the hassles or burdens of outside work. They were supposed to be the ray of sunshine in the house by making others happy.
The “upper class or elite” woman enjoyed every comfort and favor she could think of. Dancing was a favorite pastime among most upper-class women and men. Single women generally spend a lot of time chatting with their friends. Upper-class women did little or nothing at home. The ladies did not do things for themselves, but rather told others what to do. They were supposed to get married and raise children!
Lower class women worked in factories, garment industries, laundries, or various other jobs to support themselves. Another employment for “Low” working-class women was domestic service. It was hard work as domestic servants were supposed to work seven days a week and twelve hours a day! A large percentage of women also worked as nurses in hospitals and worked in offices during the latter part of the century. Some women also entered professions such as medicine, law, and journalism. However, this revolution took place mainly in the latter part of the 20th century.
Well, above is the description of the life of a Victorian woman. Unlike women today, they were not given the freedom to choose their life, they had no choice but to accept whatever came their way!