Among these reform movements in society, clothing served to criticize the restrictions that fashion forced on women. Intellectuals argued that corsets were medically harmful some women dared to produce images of women wearing more casual clothing instead of traditional corsets. Although praised by reformers, the depicted new style dress was condemned by society hey argued that this clothing interfered with gender divisions and was harmful to family life. Eventually a more plain and simpler clothing was adopted among women. The role of women was greatly affected by The Second Great Awakening as demonstrated in their involvement in the church and movements to better their place in society.
