The Debate of Gender

Recently in History class we have been learning about the social reforms of the 19th century. One that was most prominent is the Women’s reform, the goal for this lesson was to determine how the mid-19th century society reacted to women’s demands for equality, and to decide whether or not people nowadays still treat women differently than men. In 19th century society women were expected to stay home with the children during the day while the men were out working. This illustration demonstrates that some of their responsibilities included educating the children, entertaining the children and keeping the home in a orderly and peaceful state.

There were many restrictions on women in the mid 19th century; Laws and Practices contains the laws that were affecting many women during this time. Clearly there were some outrageously different ideals back then. The Seneca falls convention was held in upstate New York to address these issues, this was the first time that the demand for women to vote was formally introduced. Out of the convention came the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions; these resolutions appear to be reactions to the issues addressed in Laws and Practices. For example, in the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions it states “That the speedy success of our cause depends on the zealous and untiring efforts of both men and women, for the overthrow of the monopoly of the pulpit, and for the securing to women an equal participation with men in the various trades, professions, and commerce.” This is addressing a statement in laws and Practices that says some women teach, but they will only be paid 30%-50% of what men would for the same exact job.

There were obviously reactions to these demands that women were imposing, in the newspaper there were a variety of opinions on what these women were trying to do. For example on August 3, 1848, The Recorder published an article that called the women’s reform flat out silly; “We need not say that we think the movement excessively silly…”. There certainly were positive reactions to the convention as well, The North Star published a piece that asked why women can’t be entitled to rights when negroes and males are. “Many who have at last made the discovery that negroes have some rights as well as other members of the human family, have yet to be convinced that woman is entitled to any.”

Answering the question of whether or not women are still treated differently today, this video shows the different labels men and women are given when they behave in the same manner. Women are treated differently sometimes not on purpose but it can be demeaning and offensive to some. Most of the time actions are not what show this but what is expected from women, and the attitudes toward them.