Cult of True Womanhood The Cult of True Womanhood defined the four qualities every woman should have: “piety, purity, domesticity, and submissiveness” (Taylor). During the late 1800s and early 1900s, white men took it upon themselves to “protect” women. These men created the ideals of the Cult of True Womanhood, and worked to preserve these virtues at all costs. The Cult oppressed both black and white women of this time because the men forced them to adhere to this restrictive lifestyle. While the Cult was made to restrict the actions of all women, it specifically applied to white women because black women were seen as incapable of being lady-like. Black women were forced to obey the restrictions of this cult, but they were not granted
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Because they were required to stay at home, they were not allowed to participate in any town meetings or public decisions. They were not even allowed to vote, so they had virtually no voice. Women’s jobs were to look after the children and to cook and clean. They were not allowed to have large goals like the men were. This mandatory domestic lifestyle extended to both races, and deprived all women the chance at an equal life. Women were seen as life-givers and caretakers. One of their most prominent roles was to be the nurse for her family and keep everyone healthy and happy. The Cult of True Womanhood was designed for white, middle and upper class American women. While the Cult did not officially apply to black women, many of the restraints still affected black women. Married women of both races were denied a chance of getting a job and supporting themselves. Their only jobs and responsibilities were around the house, including religious duties such as helping the man of the house grow closer to God. Because he was a man, he was busier than she and often times did not have time for religious activities. Also, being out of the house, he was presented with more opportunities to sin, so he often times needed the woman to help him repent and form a better relationship with God. The Cult of True Womanhood defined the women as incapable of having real jobs and forced them to stay at home and take care of the domestic
Because they were required to stay at home, they were not allowed to participate in any town meetings or public decisions. They were not even allowed to vote, so they had virtually no voice. Women’s jobs were to look after the children and to cook and clean. They were not allowed to have large goals like the men were. This mandatory domestic lifestyle extended to both races, and deprived all women the chance at an equal life. Women were seen as life-givers and caretakers. One of their most prominent roles was to be the nurse for her family and keep everyone healthy and happy. The Cult of True Womanhood was designed for white, middle and upper class American women. While the Cult did not officially apply to black women, many of the restraints still affected black women. Married women of both races were denied a chance of getting a job and supporting themselves. Their only jobs and responsibilities were around the house, including religious duties such as helping the man of the house grow closer to God. Because he was a man, he was busier than she and often times did not have time for religious activities. Also, being out of the house, he was presented with more opportunities to sin, so he often times needed the woman to help him repent and form a better relationship with God. The Cult of True Womanhood defined the women as incapable of having real jobs and forced them to stay at home and take care of the domestic