Women of the Nineteenth Century
During the early nineteenth century, women were subjected to stereotypes that limited what their gender was thought to be capable of. No woman was able to escape the inferior label. The level of so-called inferiority differed between races. African American and Native American women surprisingly held much importance and responsibility in caring for the family and the community, whether it was a plantation or tribe. From hard labor to excelling at certain jobs that increased respect amongst their peers, these two races of women often handled much more of the workload. They also held a higher status when compared to men within their own race than did Anglo American women. Prior to the nineteenth century, Anglo women were perceived as submissive homemakers who married for social status or to protect what the family already owned. They were responsible for far less than African and native women of the time were. The social reform movement and women's rights movement changed women's roles differently between races. The movements provided Anglo American women with opportunities and new thought processes that raised the expectation of themselves as members of society while hindering the previous l
The important thing to realize about slave women was their self-reliance. They lived largely independent lives from slave men. Women were not as submissive on plantations as were other races of women. Male dominance was based on ownership of land and property and the ability to provide for his family. On a plantation, neither male nor female owned the land they lived on or the roof over their head for they were dependent on their master for these things. Putting slave men and women on an equal plane like this contributed to a slave woman's sense of independence.5 The concept of sisterhood formed as sexual identity drew more and more women together. By the 1820's, middle and upper class women formed organizations to help poor and less fortunate women. The reasons for these foundations were to pick up the weaker women who needed help and to raise the concept of womanhood to a national level.9 This mentality carried throughout the nineteenth century, as only the results of the Civil War would truly alter free and slave African American's lives. Other races of women would not have to wait so long. The important aspect of these additional jobs was that they offered the women a chance to increase their respect and status among other slaves and the slave owner.2 Missionaries began teaching the Cherokee that polygamy was sinful, and that women needed to spend more time focusing on domestic matters rather than farming and other labors. Taking care of the home was taught not to be degrading, but required to maintain a well balanced society. Schools were set up to teach academics, as well as instruct on knitting and sewing for girls. In essence, the Native American women were taught how to behave like Anglo American women.14 African American slave women were not really affected by the movements of the nineteenth century since they were, still in fact, the property of someone else. The roles slave women played within the plantations were, however, of much more significance than any responsibility Anglo women held during that time. American women, like their men, fought the teachings of the Anglo Americans and lost land and social status because of it. The social reforms of the nineteenth century domesticated Anglo women but also provided for their education and ability to gain new jobs like teaching. This reform movement did little to further the advancement of Native American women. Anglo American women entered the nineteenth century passively as the colonial times were being absorbed by industrialization, but would quickly change. Romance novels were introduced, stress
Some common words found in the essay are:
African American, Anglo American, Lyon Beecher, Native American, Womanhood7 Anglo, African Americans, Native Americans, Anglo Americans, Manifest Destiny, Nineteenth Century, american women, nineteenth century, native american, anglo american, anglo women, native american women, slave women, african american, anglo american women, african american women, woman able, races women, social reform, nineteenth century social, free slave african,
Approximate Word count = 1767
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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