¶ … Changing Role of Women in the Late 1800s
In "A Hazard of New Fortunes," William Dean Howells explores a number of themes through the interaction of the major characters in the novel. Much of his focus revolves around the women in the book and the interaction of these women with each other and with men. Howells writes about issues contemporary to the time of the book's publication in 1890. Not coincidentally the 1880s marked the beginning of a significant upsurge in the women's movement. "A Hazard of New Fortunes" presents women who abide by the old values in contrast to women who have begun to adopt the values that eventually lead to full suffrage for women, more education opportunities for women, and more career choices for women. Women would become increasingly vocal about their opinions and begin to organize themselves for a direct assault on the institutions that were so male-dominated. No longer would a woman's role necessarily be restricted to duties at home. Aside from the obvious significance of the right to vote and all of its' political importance, women influenced social and economic institutions as well as political institutions.
Given the tumultuous environment of the era women reacted in diverse ways. In the young, self-confident Alma Leighton, Howells shows us the woman of the future. On the other hand, Howells portrays a no less self-confident, but very traditional Mrs. March. The manner in which Howells presents these two women and their methods of dealing with situations gives us an idea of what Howells thinks about the changes occurring at the time in the world around him. His favorable portrayal of Mrs. March clearly indicates his preference for her and what see represents. His less favorable portrayal of Alma Leighton reveals his understanding of the "modern woman," but also his dislike of the disintegration of a more traditional relationship between women and men.
Mrs. March has qualities that require celebration. She supports Mr. March in his decision to make a mid-life career change from the insurance business into the literary field that suits his interests...
Islamic women are now restricted from most activities, and their rights have been steadily decreasing. Her social and political as well as economic rights are all being violated everyday by unscrupulous men who have corrupted the very religion to their own advantage, and today, especially in most Arab countries, woman has become 'Awarah', or the very subject of concealment, wherein her public presence is banned; where even her very
They were not content to merely 'talk the talk', but were bound and determined to 'walk the walk' as well. They ended their declaration of independence by stating they would "circulate tracts, petition the State and national legislatures, and endeavor to enlist the pulpit and press on our behalf. We hope this Convention will be followed by a series of Conventions embracing every part of the country" (Sochen, 1974,
Women who wanted to uphold a superior class were forced to stick to the false impression that they did not do any work, and their work was not physically challenging. Others believed that their professions brought about socially-prescribed and conventional qualities expected of refined ladies like motherliness and compassion. This made middle-class women get involved in social work and other professions related to the less fortunate. Others preserved their
Libraries Changing Role of Libraries Changing Role of Libraries in Today's Society Changing Role of Libraries in Today's Society Changing Role of Libraries in Today's Society From the time when the recorded history began, all kinds of artifacts of symbolic, religious, social, and educational have been assembled together and protected in the libraries in the form of books and documents. Sumerians were the one who developed and brought into actual formation of a library.
Women's Roles In New England During Colonial America Today, women still have not seen an acceptable level of equality compared to their male counterparts. Yet, the struggle for women's rights have improved conditions for modern women tremendously when compared to the roles that the sex was limited to play during the colonial period. In Colonial America, women were often limited to purely caretakers, dealing only with domestic and child raising matters.
Note again that Gandhi, O'Connor and Thatcher all represented pre-Baby Boom women who had worked their way to the top after decades. The period of the 1990's represents a greater participation of women in the workforce, including senior management positions. It also represents a significant increase in women's participation in politics. The questions of work-life balance continue with women; note that Nancy Pelosi managed a full-time career and raised five
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now