In the early 1900s, wives in the West had to follow strict rules about how they should act, dress, and associate with other people. These rules, which were shaped by culture, economics, and social ideals, told wives how to act in public.
It was important to have good habits, dress modestly, and act with respect. Women were supposed to run their homes, help their husbands, and go to social events. Volunteering and helping others in the community were welcomed, which emphasized the caring role of nurses.
It was stressed that wives should be submissive to their husbands and that image management was important to avoid scandal. Different urban and rural areas, racial and economic factors, and other factors affected these beliefs in different ways.
But the fight for women’s right to vote brought about change. As more women fought for their rights, went to school, and got jobs, they challenged accepted roles.
The idea of marriage as a partnership grew, with women supporting their husbands in public activities. Family values were very important, showing dedicated motherhood and happiness at home.
Some examples of these ideals are dressing modestly, going to community events, and standing by your husband in public. Dramas set in the past, like Downton Abbey and Little Women, show what people expect.
Understanding these historical patterns shows how much wives’ roles have changed over the last 100 years, which is a reflection of larger changes in gender roles and the way society is organized.
