Women and Reform

Women and Reform

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• Women in higher classes had greater restrictions on them. 
• Wives were property to their husbands. They could not own property, vote, or have many job opportunities.
• Women were responsible for raising children, both male and female. 
• Women were allowed access to education so they could educate their sons.
• Women were responsible for providing a man a clean home and food
• They also were expected to provide non-market values, such as love and friendship
• The “Cult of Domesticity” was formed. The followers believed that women should not do any work and should be housewives
• Women were described as “Man’s bestfriend” and were expected to take care of them no matter the circumstance.
• Some women worked in factories and others worked as housemaids 
• Men would spend time in pubs and drink excessive alcohol 
• Women wanted the right to vote so they could vote against alcohol. (Temperance Movement)
• Women had a large role in the abolitionist movement
• The book "Uncle Tom's Cabin" gave a lot of people the idea that African Americans should also be treated as humans
• The Seneca Fall Convetion was hosted to help gain rights for women. They made the Decleration of Sentiments which modeled the Declaration of Independence. 
• Women began dressing in “male clothing” and wearing pants

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