Question 1
The work and responsibilities of the home were mostly identical to before industrialization.
Although some women did work outside the home, they were still expected to take care of the
home (i.e. cook, clean, take care of the children). It was looked down upon if the women worked
outside the home because it was an area that only men should conquer. This was clearly stated
by editor, Sarah Josepha in Godey’s Lady’s Book where the working world is interpreted as “the
accursed bank note world.” If a woman did work outside the home, they were usually young and
unmarried. Lilly Martin Spencer was an exception to the usual. She worked as a painter and
was her family’s main breadwinner while her husband tended to the housework.
Women working in the factories was a step forward for women. Although many women did not
do it, for the few that did, it provided some freedom. It allowed them to earn money for
themselves and not completely depend on a man. The situation was also unfair because women
were not earning as much as men even if they were more skilled. While some women chose to
stay at home and take on the usual duties, factory work allowed women who wanted and needed
more to step out of the usual and pave the way for women’s rights.
Question 2
