Ideals of Womanhood: Transformation of Gender Roles in Society

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Throughout the history of America, the issue of social liberty has been in question since the beginning of the Civil War. Aside from social equality for blacks and immigrants, the issue of woman’s suffrage was slowly surfacing. As a result of Victorianism, women were domesticated and were expected to uphold proper behavior established by Victorian society. However, during the late 1800s, the progressive reform produced widespread consumer, political, and labor changes throughout the country. Women were more educated and given more opportunity to expand into new fields of employment. In addition, the emergence of flappers broke through all gender barriers by openly consuming, smoking cigarettes, and engaging in premarital sex. The transformation of gender and femininity from the 1880s through the 1920s marked the beginning of an era of gender equality by transforming many social, economical, and political aspects of American society.

Prior to the first progressive reform, American society was shaped by Victorian ideals. During that time, Victorian propriety served to establish conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals. This gave rise to the establishment of gender roles and the evolution of home life; a place that was private and isolated from the outside world. The homes generally reflected status of the individual living within. With the emergence of consumer and luxury goods, certain areas of the home were made into parlors. In the sense of a private home, a parlor served as a formal room set aside for the entertainment of guests. In addition, parlors served as a way to showcase an individual’s wealth with the presence of opulent rugs, paintings, and furniture.

Additionally, in the late 1800s, the Victorian ide...

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...ence that new gender roles had on society. Celia Cooney was a symbol of liberated women as she embarked on a string of robberies throughout New York. The media loved her as she continuously outwitted law officials while representing the newly born flapper era with her bobbed hair and defiant behavior. As a result of her rebellious behavior and banditry, she becomes a local hero among the female community.

In conclusion, the changing roles of women had a profound effect on the atmosphere of American society. The Victorian period was the beginning of propriety and domesticity which was closely followed by progressivism and rise of flapper culture. As a result, gender equality was slowly becoming a reality. Through the changes that these women achieved, future goals were realized and the progression towards total gender equality was made substantially more evident.

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