Cult of Domesticity APUSH Definition

The cult of domesticity was a social ideal that emerged in the United States in the 19th century. It emphasized the role of women as wives and mothers and promoted the idea that women’s primary sphere of influence was the home.

Origins of the Cult of Domesticity

The cult of domesticity originated in the early 19th century, as the United States experienced a period of economic and social change. The Industrial Revolution led to the growth of cities and the rise of a middle class. As more men entered the workforce, women were increasingly confined to the home.

At the same time, there was a growing emphasis on the importance of family and morality. Religious leaders argued that women were naturally suited to be wives and mothers and that they had a moral obligation to create a nurturing environment for their families.

Characteristics of the Cult of Domesticity

The cult of domesticity promoted a number of ideals about women’s roles and responsibilities. These included:

• Piety: Women were expected to be pious and to set a moral example for their families.
• Purity: Women were expected to be pure and chaste. They were to avoid any behavior that could be seen as immoral or unladylike.
• Domesticity: Women’s primary sphere of influence was the home. They were expected to be good wives and mothers and to create a comfortable and nurturing environment for their families.
• Submissiveness: Women were expected to be submissive to their husbands. They were to defer to their husbands’ authority and to obey their wishes.

Impact of the Cult of Domesticity

The cult of domesticity had a significant impact on American society. It helped to define the roles of women and men and to shape the way that families were structured.

The cult of domesticity also had a negative impact on women’s rights. It limited women’s opportunities for education and employment and made it difficult for them to participate in public life.

Decline of the Cult of Domesticity

The cult of domesticity began to decline in the late 19th century. As women gained more access to education and employment, they began to challenge the ideals of the cult of domesticity.

By the early 20th century, the cult of domesticity had largely disappeared. Women had achieved greater economic and social independence, and they were no longer confined to the roles of wives and mothers.

Legacy of the Cult of Domesticity

The cult of domesticity left a lasting legacy on American society. The ideals of piety, purity, domesticity, and submissiveness continue to influence the way that women are viewed and treated.

The cult of domesticity also shaped the way that families are structured. The traditional family model, in which the husband is the breadwinner and the wife is the homemaker, is still the dominant model in American society.

Impact on Women’s Rights

The cult of domesticity had a negative impact on women’s rights. It limited women’s opportunities for education and employment and made it difficult for them to participate in public life.

Women were expected to be wives and mothers first and foremost. They were discouraged from pursuing careers or participating in politics. This limited their ability to achieve economic independence and to have a voice in society.

Impact on Family Structure

The cult of domesticity also had a significant impact on family structure. It promoted the idea that the family was the center of women’s lives. Women were expected to create a nurturing and supportive environment for their husbands and children.

This emphasis on the family led to a decline in the extended family. As women became more focused on their own families, they had less time to spend with their extended family members. This led to a decline in the sense of community and support that had been a hallmark of earlier American society.

Challenges to the Cult of Domesticity

The cult of domesticity faced a number of challenges in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These challenges included:

• Industrialization: The Industrial Revolution led to a decline in the number of women who worked in the home. As women entered the workforce, they began to challenge the ideals of the cult of domesticity.
• Education: As women gained access to education, they began to develop new ideas about their roles and responsibilities. They began to challenge the idea that they were naturally suited to be wives and mothers and that their primary sphere of influence was the home.
• Feminism: The feminist movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries challenged the ideals of the cult of domesticity. Feminists argued that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men. They demanded the right to vote, to pursue careers, and to participate in public life.

Decline of the Cult of Domesticity

The cult of domesticity began to decline in the late 19th century. As women gained more access to education and employment, they began to challenge the ideals of the cult of domesticity. By the early 20th century, the cult of domesticity had largely disappeared. Women had achieved greater economic and social independence, and they were no longer confined to the roles of wives and mothers.

Legacy of the Cult of Domesticity

The cult of domesticity left a lasting legacy on American society. The ideals of piety, purity, domesticity, and submissiveness continue to influence the way that women are viewed and treated. The traditional family model, in which the husband is the breadwinner and the wife is the homemaker, is still the dominant model in American society.

Tables