Dorothea Dix was instrumental in prison and asylum reform and while she was not directly affiliated with the women’s suffrage movement, in her progress she was the roots of the larger feminist movement.
In the 19th century, there was a social gender shift in regions across the country. For the first time, the upper class women of America had time to become more active in their societies. Although they were still unable to vote, hold office and participate in any political manner, it suddenly became socially justifiable for women to voice their opinion on the oppression in America. In Dorothea Dix’s case, she was focused on the treatment of mentally ill.
In the 19th century, there was a social gender shift in regions across the country. For the first time, the upper class women of America had time to become more active in their societies. Although they were still unable to vote, hold office and participate in any political manner, it suddenly became socially justifiable for women to voice their opinion on the oppression in America. In Dorothea Dix’s case, she was focused on the treatment of mentally ill.