Domesticity in 19th Century White Middle Class America The nineteenth century marked a turning point for women in the United States. As men took work outside of the home women were left to cultivate a place that could serve as a haven from the harsh outside world. This change created a domestic sphere rud by women; it paramounted from simple household organization to matters involving moral and religious responsibility, health, education, and social duty. Women found power in their new role; they found equality with their male counterparts without comting against them.The industrial revolution changed the way Americans worked. Men pursued jobs outside of the home. They performed hard labor such as; mining, construction, factory work, and various civil appointments. Most of the day was spent away from the comfortsf a home. This shift transformed the home into a haven from the demands of the outside world. The home set the mood for the dynamics of the family. It served as an influence upon it’s members and was a reflection of the harmony that existed between tm. Women found themselves with the responsibility of making the home into a “glorious temple” (Sklar 151) where her family could thrive.A home was the symbol which defined a family. The cleanliness, decor and mood that a home displayed told the economic and religious status of a family. Middle class women did not have servants and most did not have any outside help; leaving them to mage the household alone. This could be and overwhelming task in an era without the technological advancements of today. The idea of the home having such a profound impact on the family brought about a movement towards housing reform. An abundance of material was written including; “A Treatise on Domestic Economy” by Catherine Beecher, “The American Frugal Housewife” byydia Marie Childs, and “Household Economics” by Helen Cambell (Skla...
