Victorian Ideology
Victorian ideology structured nineteenth century American society through a shared set of values and beliefs. These guided men and women in relating to each other and the institutions around them. Victorianism structured society in favor of Protestant males of British descent. It ordered other social groups in lesser degrees of power according to gender, race, class, and ethnic or religious affiliation. In response to the tensions of the Industrial Revolution, Victorian society developed the concept of separate spheres for men and women.
Together, through the institution of marriage and family, men and women perpetuated Victorian ideology. They worked together to raise families through dividing the labor into separate spheres of action. Men acted in the public sphere while women took charge of the private sphere, the sanctuary of the home. Women had little or no legal rights separate from their husbands; marriage was their profession.
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Benjamin Family Portait
A Victorian family poses for the camera in this daguerreotype. From their clothing, one can see their middle- to upper-class status and a distinction among genders. Unlike the other family members, the mother does not look directly at the camera. Her indirect gaze subtly echoes her social realm in the private sphere, removed from her husband's social realm in the public sphere.
Together, through the institution of marriage and family, men and women perpetuated Victorian ideology. They worked together to raise families through dividing the labor into separate spheres of action. Men acted in the public sphere while women took charge of the private sphere, the sanctuary of the home. Women had little or no legal rights separate from their husbands; marriage was their profession.
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Benjamin Family Portait
A Victorian family poses for the camera in this daguerreotype. From their clothing, one can see their middle- to upper-class status and a distinction among genders. Unlike the other family members, the mother does not look directly at the camera. Her indirect gaze subtly echoes her social realm in the private sphere, removed from her husband's social realm in the public sphere.
Benjamin family group portrait, posed around a column. Daguerreotype. Circa 1845-1858. Photographer, Whitney, Edward Tompkins. Daguerreotype collection and Frances Benjamin Johnston collection. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2004664334/