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Women's Worlds in the Nineteenth Century

An American Perspective

 

On the one hand, there was the Cult of Domesticity -  which expected respectable  middle and upper class women to embody "feminine virtues" like domesticity, piety, purity, docility. The reigning value system emphasized their role as homemakers and wives and mothers. Yet, within and through this limited sphere, they developed networks and skills that laid the foundation for a new progressive era, and the emergence of the modern, independent "New Woman" who fought for who sought physical, mental, and spiritual independence.

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Step into the life of an upper- to middle-class urban lady in the 19th century America with this podcast episode. Or you can also hear about how these changes in women's lives were reflected in women's fashion here.​

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You can also find out more about the Cult of Domesticity here and check out this fantastic digital exhibit of paintings representing the “New Woman” ideal.

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Status of Women in 19th C Norway: A Timeline

1839

  • Unsupported women over 40 years old allowed to qualify as master craftsmen

1842

  • Widows, separated wives, and spinsters (with royal decree legal capacity) allowed to engage in trade

1854

  • Women granted equal inheritance rights; previously, sisters inherited half as much as brothers

1860

  • Women permitted to support themselves via handicraft and craftmanship, on same conditions as men.

1869

  • All unmarried women granted full legal capacity at 21

1882

  • Women admitted to upper levels of secondary education

1884

  • Women admitted to university and most professional schools

  • Norwegian Association for Women's Rights founded

1885

  • Establishment of the Women's Suffrage Association 

1888

  • Married women gain legal capacity and right to manage their earnings

1895

  • Establishment of the First women's political organization: Social Democratic Women's Association

1901

  • Women with personal income given right to vote in local elections

1904

  • Women granted right to become practicing lawyers and prosecuting attorneys

1907

  • Women with personal income allowed parliamentary vote and allowed to hold office

1912

  • Statute allowing women appointment to most government positions (except military, clerical, diplomatic, cabinet positions)

1913

  • Universal suffrage for women in Norway

1927

  • Law establishes equality in marriage: wife as equal partner

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Source: ​Heffermehl, Karin Bruzelius. "The status of women in Norway." Am. J. Comp. L. 20 (1972): 630.

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