Roles Of Women During The Victorian Era

During the Victorian Era women were limited to child bearing and housewife. They were identified in four classes; Nobility, Middle class, Upper working class, and lower working class. They were expected to remain in their class and any change from one class to another was a serious offense. Within all of the classes women were expected to live a highly restricted life with their life centered on their husband and children. Women in the Nobility class lived a life of luxury. They spent their time attending tea parties and balls and spent left over time knitting and horseback riding. They had several attendants looking after them. They were expected to be highly educated. Their main job was to instruct servants on what needs to be done and
Women were not allowed to vote, sue, own property or divorce their husbands. When a Victorian woman got married her rights were legally given to her spouse. Women were expected to have sex with their husband only, but men could have multiple partners while their wife stayed home tending to their children and household chores. If a woman had sexual contact with another man she was considered ruined. Sexual relations for women could not be just about desire and feelings, this was a luxury reserved for men. Sex was not discussed openly. Public discussions of sexual encounters were met with ignorance, fear, and embarrassment. A general unspoken rule was that no men would sit down at the table before all the women were seated. Some common things done by men for women included pulling chairs out and opening doors. Women were treated with respect in their actions. Most men viewed women as weak and having no ability to form any technique. Women were frowned upon if they attempted any sports or physical labor. It was accepted by most women that all dresses should be long sleeve and go all the way down to the floor. They never wore pants, trousers and their legs should never be shown in