Women of Victorian England: Struggles for Freedom and Equality

The Victorian era, spanning from 1837 to 1901, was characterized by a strict societal framework that placed women at the heart of domestic life and expected them to embody the ideals of purity, modesty, and self-sacrifice. The concept of womanhood in this period was heavily shaped by Queen Victoria herself, whose reign epitomized these values. In the eyes of many, the ideal woman was expected to be pious, submissive, and devoted to the care of her home and family.

This ideal of womanhood, often referred to as the "Angel in the House," was not just a cultural expectation but also a moral standard. The phrase, coined by Coventry Patmore in his famous poem of the same name, encapsulated the Victorian vision of women as gentle, virtuous beings who were supposed to stay out of the public sphere and focus on creating a peaceful, nurturing home environment. Women were seen as the moral guardians of society, responsible for shaping the character of future generations. The notion of the woman as a domestic angel contributed to the widespread belief that women were inherently suited for roles as wives and mothers, and their value was measured by their ability to fulfill these duties.

Despite this narrow definition of womanhood, the Victorian period was also marked by contradictions. While society expected women to embody domestic virtue, there were growing social, political, and economic shifts that began to challenge this ideal. Industrialization, for instance, led to an increasing number of women entering the workforce, particularly in factories and service industries. The rise of the middle class also led to more women pursuing education, although access to higher learning was still limited.