Cult Of Domesticity Essay

The United States of America gained a reputation throughout their world for equality. Tolerance of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press were revolutionary rights that the United States uniquely founded as a base for their nation. Compared to European countries, America was like no other. However, the women of the country were not equal and they did not have the same opportunity as males. After the American Revolution, “republican motherhood,” had rooted itself in the society of America. The “cult of domesticity” developed to promote women in their natural work environment, the home. While “republican motherhood” and the “cult of domesticity” were held in the hearts of many Americans, these goals were not obtainable by all women. The women of lower classes in society and African Americans were unable to obtain the goals of “republican motherhood” and the “cult of domesticity” because of their economic and social status. Additionally, these same principles suffocated the efforts of educated, upper class women to gain equality. Lower class women …show more content…
Additionally, because women were more faithful and dutiful in religious communities, they were often observed as superior to men. This high level of moral authority led to America’s view that women were responsible for protecting the values of the country. At the same time, the old-fashioned belief that a man was superior caused women to not be in governmental and economic positions. The “cult of domesticity” allowed for a reason behind the persecution and instruction of women. As a result, the job of women became staying home and caring for the house and the children. In the same way, the job of being a teacher became dominated by women. Women taking a large role in house work, raising children, and teaching caused the principles of “republican motherhood” and the “cult of domesticity” to be stained in America’s