Women's Roles in the 18th Century

Men and women in this time period inhabited two separate lifestyles, known as "separate spheres", only coming together at breakfast and then again at dinner time. The idea of the "separate spheres" was based off of the natural differing characteristics of men and women. Women were generally considered physically weaker but morally superior to men, which meant they would fit better into the domestic side of the sphere. It was their job to be the caretakers for the home, while also preparing the next generation to take on these roles as well. Women had a great influence within the home. To be able to obtaint this 'great influence' within the house, women were required a new kind of education. Middle-class girls were coached in what were considered 'accomplishments' (as mentioned in "A Room of One's Own"). These 'accomplishments' would be taught in boarding school or by a resident governess. A good example of what these accomplishments entailed can be found in chapter eight. "A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages….; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions…"

Women were not urged to outwardly express their interest in men; this could be seen as having a worrisome sexual appetite. It was assumed women desired a man, or marriage, so they could become mothers, and not for sexually or emotionally pleasing women. Some even thought that women were not troubled with sexual feeling of any kind. Girls would generally marry in their early to mid-20s, and the men were usually five years older. The age difference would enforce the 'natural' hierarchy between the sexes. The girls' fathers would not give permission for his daughter to be married unless the man could prove he could provide for her financially. The age difference was a key component in making sure that the man had enough time to save money to be able to provide for his future wife. Some couples had to wait years before they were able to marry due to financial issues. Some young men were so devout to their religion, they remained chaste until marriage, while other particularly wealthy young men resulted to sexual relations with a prostitute. All of the major cities had red light districts where a prostitute could easily be picked up. Sexually transmitted diseases were especially common among prostitutes and men who had sexual relations with prostitutes. Men would unknowingly transfer these diseases to their wives. On the contrary to men, women had no choice but to remain chaste until marriage. Women were not even allowed to speak to other men unless there was a married woman present as a chaperone. A higher education and a high position in a professional job were totally out of the question for women. Their primary roles were that of a caretaker for the home, and from this, covert rebellion would emerge.