The Modern Woman
The modern woman saw herself as still feminine but changing with the times. She used her virtue to justify entering the public sphere to work for the good of society. Hers was a moral mission. As America became modern, middle- to upper class women had new opportunities in education and the professions. New styles of living and a consumer culture developed. These challenged the feminine norm.
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Margaret Hinchey Leads Activists
Wearing white dresses to show they are still pure, a group of modern women protest child labor conditions. Led by suffrage activist, Margaret Hinchey, the women march on the streets of New York City. Although they are acting in public, they are performing woman's duty, taking care of children.
- Suffrage photograph
Wearing white dresses to show they are still pure, a group of modern women protest child labor conditions. Led by suffrage activist, Margaret Hinchey, the women march on the streets of New York City. Although they are acting in public, they are performing woman's duty, taking care of children.
- Suffrage photograph
Margaret Hinchey Leads Activists. New York. Feb. 3, 1913. Photograph. Photographer, publisher: Bains News Service. George Grantham Bain Collection, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/ggb2005014325/
Concerning the American Girl
A clergyman holds a paper on which is printed, "The steady decline of womanhood from its old ideals." Puck, the putto mascot of Puck Magazine and Cupid's counterpart, holds open a stage curtain. Modern women are busy with a variety of activities and professions. Are they too busy for marriage?
- Anti-suffrage caricature
Concerning the American Girl. Color Lithograph. Published Puck Magazine, Jan. 6, . 1904. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2002720331/
It Can't Be Did!
A modern woman-child stands with arms akimbo and eyes rolled. She defies the feminine norm by refusing to stay quiet in the private sphere. Caption reads, "And you think you can keep women silent politically? It can't be did."
- Pro-suffrage postcard
It Can't Be Did! Wall Postcard. Date Unknown. Palczewski, Catherine H. Postcard Archive. University of Northern Iowa. Cedar Falls, IA.
