15.3 Victorian values and social norms
5 min read•august 1, 2024
and social norms shaped every aspect of 19th-century English society. From rigid to strict moral codes, these ideals influenced behavior, relationships, and cultural expectations across all social classes.
Literature of the era both reflected and challenged these norms. Authors explored tensions between societal pressures and individual desires, often critiquing while grappling with changing attitudes towards morality, family, and .
Respectability in Victorian Society
Social Constructs and Values
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- Respectability encompassed moral, behavioral, and social expectations across different classes in Victorian society
- Middle-class values shaped the notion of respectability
- Emphasized virtues such as hard work, thrift, self-reliance, and sexual restraint
- Social status and respectability intertwined
- Individuals strived to maintain or improve standing through adherence to societal norms
- Influenced various aspects of Victorian life (dress, manners, speech, social interactions)
- Public perception and reputation formed crucial elements of respectability
- Led to a culture of appearances and social performance
- Served as a means of social control
- Reinforced class distinctions
- Maintained existing social order in Victorian England
Tensions and Challenges
- Pursuit of respectability created tensions between public and private behavior
- Individuals struggled to reconcile personal desires with societal expectations
- Pressure to maintain appearances often led to hypocrisy
- Public displays of virtue sometimes masked private indiscretions
- Class differences in interpretations of respectability
- Working-class communities developed their own codes of respectability
- Upper classes sometimes viewed middle-class respectability as pretentious
- Respectability as a barrier to social mobility
- Strict adherence to norms could limit opportunities for advancement
- Challenges to respectability norms
- Artistic and intellectual movements (, ) questioned conventional morality
- Social reformers criticized aspects of respectability that perpetuated inequality
Gender Roles in Victorian England
Separate Spheres Ideology
- Victorian gender roles rigidly defined distinct spheres of influence for men and women
- "" ideal for women
- Emphasized virtues (purity, , submissiveness, devotion to family)
- Women viewed as moral guardians of the home
- Men expected to be breadwinners
- Occupied public sphere (work, politics, social engagement)
- Embodied qualities of strength, rationality, moral leadership
- Legal status of women limited
- Married women had few rights to property or legal autonomy (doctrine of coverture)
- Gradual changes with (1870, 1882)
- Education and career opportunities for women restricted
- Gradually expanded throughout Victorian era
- New fields opened (nursing, teaching)
Challenges to Traditional Roles
- "" emerged as cultural phenomenon in late Victorian period
- Challenged traditional gender roles
- Advocated for greater independence and equality for women
- Sexual double standards prevalent
- Different expectations for male and female behavior (chastity, fidelity, sexual expression)
- gained momentum
- Campaigns for voting rights and political representation
- Changing economic landscape
- Industrial Revolution created new employment opportunities for women
- Middle-class women increasingly entered workforce
- Literary representations of gender roles
- Authors like and explored complexities of women's experiences
- Male anxieties about changing gender dynamics
- Fears of emasculation and loss of traditional masculine authority
Morality and Propriety in Victorian Culture
Christian Values and Moral Uplift
- Victorian morality characterized by strong emphasis on
- Piety, charity, sexual purity central to moral framework
- Concept of "" prevalent in Victorian literature
- Many works aimed to educate and improve moral character of readers
- Censorship and self-censorship common in literature
- Authors often avoided explicit references to sexuality or taboo subjects
- of novels in periodicals contributed to emphasis on moral propriety
- Authors considered sensibilities of broad readership
- Social reform movements tied to Victorian moral values
- Temperance movement advocated for abstinence from alcohol
- Anti-prostitution campaigns sought to address perceived moral decay
Tensions and Literary Explorations
- Tension between moral ideals and social realities common theme in Victorian literature
- Explored complexities and hypocrisies of society
- Authors like highlighted social injustices
- Literary genres pushed boundaries of propriety
- () explored taboo subjects
- () reflected societal anxieties about morality
- Debate over role of art and literature in society
- "Art for Art's Sake" movement challenged notion that art should have moral purpose
- Scientific advancements challenged traditional moral frameworks
- Darwin's theory of evolution sparked religious and moral debates
- Public scandals and their impact on moral discourse
- 's trial highlighted tensions surrounding sexuality and morality
Family and Domesticity in Victorian Life
Ideals and Structures
- Victorian family ideal centered on nuclear family unit
- Clearly defined roles for each family member
- Domesticity elevated to moral and social ideal
- Home seen as sanctuary from corrupting influences of outside world
- emphasized importance of nurturing home environment
- Primarily responsibility of women to create morally uplifting atmosphere
- Child-rearing practices emphasized discipline and moral education
- Preparation for future social roles central to parenting philosophy
- Concept of separate spheres within home reinforced gender roles
- Distinct spaces and activities designated for men and women (drawing room, study)
- Family life influenced by class distinctions
- Different expectations and realities for working-class, middle-class, and upper-class families
Challenges and Realities
- Victorian family ideal challenged by social realities
- Poverty, , changing economic conditions created tensions
- Working-class families often unable to conform to middle-class domestic ideals
- Economic necessity required women and children to work outside home
- Impact of on family structures
- Urbanization led to changes in extended family networks
- Factory work altered traditional familial work patterns
- Changing attitudes towards marriage and divorce
- Matrimonial Causes Act of 1857 made divorce more accessible
- Debates over women's rights within marriage
- Role of servants in middle and upper-class households
- Presence of domestic staff complicated notions of privacy and family life
- Literary explorations of family dynamics
- Authors like Elizabeth Gaskell examined complexities of Victorian family life
Key Terms to Review (30)
Aestheticism: Aestheticism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing the importance of beauty and sensory experiences over moral or social themes in art and literature. It advocates the idea that art should exist for its own sake and should be appreciated solely for its aesthetic value, rather than for its message or didactic purpose. This movement arose as a reaction against the strict moral codes of Victorian society, encouraging a focus on individual expression and the pursuit of beauty.
Bram Stoker: Bram Stoker was an Irish author best known for his 1897 Gothic horror novel 'Dracula,' which played a crucial role in shaping the vampire genre and influencing modern horror literature. His works reflect Victorian values and social norms, particularly regarding sexuality, fear of the unknown, and the clash between modernity and tradition.
Charles Dickens: Charles Dickens was a prominent English novelist and social critic of the 19th century, renowned for his vivid characters and depictions of Victorian society. His works often highlighted social injustices and the struggles of the poor, connecting him to the evolution of the English novel and the broader cultural context of his time.
Charlotte Brontë: Charlotte Brontë was a 19th-century English novelist and poet, best known for her novel 'Jane Eyre,' which is celebrated for its strong female protagonist and exploration of themes like morality, social criticism, and gender roles. Her work reflects the Victorian values and social norms of her time while challenging traditional gender and class representations.
Child labor: Child labor refers to the employment of children in any work that deprives them of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend school, and is harmful to their physical and mental development. This practice was rampant during the Victorian era, reflecting societal values and norms that prioritized industrial growth and economic productivity over the well-being of children. The stark contrast between the harsh realities of child labor and the idealized Victorian values of family and morality prompted significant social criticism, particularly from influential writers who sought to highlight the need for reform.
Christian values: Christian values refer to the ethical and moral principles that are derived from the teachings of Christianity, emphasizing compassion, love, honesty, integrity, and social responsibility. These values shaped societal norms and individual behaviors during the Victorian era, influencing various aspects of life including family dynamics, gender roles, and social reform movements.
Cult of domesticity: The cult of domesticity is a prevailing value system during the 19th century that idealized women's roles as devoted wives and mothers, emphasizing their influence in the home and family life. This concept framed women's primary purpose as maintaining the household and nurturing children, thus reinforcing societal norms that prescribed femininity and moral superiority associated with domestic life. It was deeply connected to Victorian values, which championed piety, purity, submissiveness, and domesticity as essential traits for women.
Decadence: Decadence refers to a cultural and artistic movement characterized by a decline in moral values, excessive indulgence, and a fascination with artifice over nature. In the context of the Victorian era, it often highlighted the tensions between traditional values and the emerging modern world, showcasing a longing for beauty and experience that often led to self-indulgence and moral ambiguity.
Domesticity: Domesticity refers to the cultural and social ideals that emphasize the home and family as the center of women's roles, responsibilities, and virtues. This concept was central to Victorian values, portraying the home as a sanctuary where women could embody moral purity, nurture their families, and create a harmonious domestic environment. It shaped societal expectations around gender roles and influenced literature, art, and social reforms during this period.
Gender Roles: Gender roles are the expectations and norms regarding how individuals should behave, dress, and interact based on their perceived gender. These roles have historically defined the social, political, and economic spheres, influencing literature and character development by reflecting societal values and conflicts during different historical periods.
George Eliot: George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, a prominent English novelist, poet, and journalist of the Victorian era known for her keen psychological insight and realistic portrayal of society. Her works often reflect the complexities of human relationships, moral dilemmas, and the influence of societal norms, making significant contributions to the development of the modern novel.
Gothic literature: Gothic literature is a genre that combines elements of horror, the supernatural, and romance, often set in dark, mysterious locations like castles or remote landscapes. It reflects the Romantic fascination with emotion, individualism, and nature while also exploring themes of madness, isolation, and the sublime. This genre often critiques societal norms and values through its exploration of human fear and the uncanny.
Hypocrisy: Hypocrisy is the act of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. It often involves a disparity between what one preaches and what one practices, revealing a lack of sincerity or integrity. This concept is critical in examining societal norms and individual behaviors, particularly as it exposes the contradictions within personal and collective ethics.
Industrialization: Industrialization refers to the process of transforming economies that were primarily agrarian into economies based on the manufacturing of goods. This shift led to significant changes in social structures, cultural values, and economic practices, particularly during the Victorian era in Britain.
Married women's property acts: Married women's property acts were legislative reforms in the 19th century that aimed to secure property rights for married women, allowing them to own and control their assets independently of their husbands. These acts emerged as a response to the restrictive legal frameworks that existed under common law, where a woman's property became her husband's upon marriage. The legislation reflected the shifting Victorian values and social norms surrounding gender roles, highlighting the growing recognition of women's rights within society.
Moral duty: Moral duty refers to the ethical obligation individuals feel to act in accordance with principles of right and wrong. This concept is central to understanding the expectations placed on individuals within a society, particularly during the Victorian era, where personal morality was closely tied to social respectability and responsibility.
Moral uplift: Moral uplift refers to the idea of enhancing the ethical and moral standards of individuals and society as a whole. This concept is deeply rooted in the Victorian values of the 19th century, where literature, social reform, and cultural norms were aimed at promoting virtues like hard work, integrity, and compassion, thereby encouraging a more civilized and moral society.
New woman: The term 'new woman' refers to a feminist ideal that emerged in the late 19th century, representing a shift in societal expectations for women, characterized by increased independence, education, and professional ambition. This concept challenged traditional Victorian values and social norms that confined women to domestic roles, advocating for women’s rights and their place in public life.
Oscar Wilde: Oscar Wilde was an Irish playwright, poet, and author known for his sharp wit and flamboyant style, who became one of the most prominent figures of the late 19th century. His works often explored themes of aestheticism, identity, and morality, while also challenging the strict social norms and values of Victorian society. Wilde's life and career were marked by both brilliant achievements and personal scandal, which significantly impacted public perception of art and individual freedom during this era.
Respectability: Respectability refers to the social status and moral standards that dictate acceptable behavior within a particular society. In the context of Victorian values, it encapsulates the expectations surrounding propriety, decorum, and the importance of maintaining one's reputation and standing in society. Adhering to these standards was crucial during the Victorian era, influencing social interactions, gender roles, and class distinctions.
Sensation novels: Sensation novels are a genre of fiction that emerged in the mid-to-late 19th century, characterized by their focus on scandalous, thrilling plots, and sensational events that challenged Victorian norms. These novels often included elements such as crime, mystery, and psychological drama, engaging readers with emotional intensity and moral ambiguity while reflecting the societal anxieties of the time.
Separate spheres ideology: Separate spheres ideology is a social and cultural concept that emerged in the 19th century, positing that men and women occupy distinct roles in society, with men associated with the public sphere of work and politics, while women are relegated to the private sphere of home and family. This ideology reflects broader societal norms regarding gender roles during a time of significant social change, where domesticity was valorized for women, while public life was seen as the domain of men.
Serialization: Serialization is the process of publishing a story in sequential installments over a period of time, often in magazines or newspapers. This method became popular during the Victorian era, reflecting the growing influence of mass media and the public's appetite for serialized fiction. Serialization allowed authors to engage readers and build suspense, creating a shared experience as readers awaited each new installment.
Social class: Social class refers to the hierarchical distinctions between groups of people in society based on factors such as wealth, occupation, education, and social status. It plays a crucial role in shaping characters, themes, and conflicts in literature, often highlighting the disparities and dynamics of power within society.
Social critique: Social critique refers to the analysis and evaluation of societal issues, norms, and values, often aiming to highlight inequalities, injustices, and the need for change. This concept is integral to literature as it allows authors to challenge prevailing ideologies and provoke thought about societal structures and human behavior.
The angel in the house: The angel in the house refers to a 19th-century ideal of womanhood that emphasized women's roles as devoted wives and nurturing mothers, embodying self-sacrifice, purity, and domesticity. This concept became a defining feature of Victorian values, illustrating societal expectations for women to create a moral and supportive home environment while being subordinate to their husbands.
Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. This principle focuses on the consequences of actions and emphasizes that the rightness or wrongness of an act is determined by its ability to produce the greatest good for the greatest number. Utilitarianism reflects scientific rationality and philosophical inquiry of its time, influencing social norms and ethical considerations.
Victorian values: Victorian values refer to the moral standards, social norms, and cultural beliefs that characterized the Victorian era, particularly in England during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901. These values emphasized morality, respectability, social responsibility, and a strict code of conduct regarding gender roles, family life, and personal behavior. They reflect a complex interplay of social progress, industrialization, and the expansion of the British Empire, shaping both literature and society during this time.
Wilkie Collins: Wilkie Collins was a prominent British novelist and playwright of the Victorian era, best known for his works that combined elements of mystery and social commentary. His novels often addressed the complexities of Victorian values and social norms, exploring themes such as morality, gender roles, and the nature of truth. Collins is celebrated for his innovative narrative techniques, including the use of multiple perspectives and cliffhangers, which would later influence the development of detective fiction.
Women's suffrage movement: The women's suffrage movement was a social and political campaign aimed at granting women the right to vote, which gained significant momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This movement was deeply intertwined with the evolving Victorian values and social norms, which often placed women in a subordinate position in society. Advocates fought against these norms, arguing for women's equality and participation in the democratic process, fundamentally challenging traditional gender roles.