Character+Development

Character Development Rachael Compton Early nineteenth century American’s focus on “character Felt need for new ways/institutions to ensure appropriate behavior Started first with families Men and women marrying and leaving home at earlier ages than before Western land detracted from traditional family values Fathers passing land to sons who lived/worked at home Sons able to obtain western land with or without family support Daughters marry and start families at younger ages, moving far away Economy disrupted family traditions Young people leaving focus of family farm/artisan shop for businesses and shops in central areas Worked for multiple employers rather than one master Middle-Class Women roles change Bakeries, butcher shops, clothiers, and candlemakers produced products traditionally made by women at home for less labor/cheaper Schools/academies become more common, less need for education at home Poor women go to cities to work as maids – less work for rich housewives Families begin having less children Opinions form about “domesticity” – women should focus on nurturing children’s body and mind, become moral center of household shaping the home as a haven Elevation of home = elevation of women’s role Led to men becoming more involved in home – acknowledging wives, participating in children’s lives These ideals out of reach for some Women working for others could not devote time to family Men with unstable jobs could not afford to keep children out of work force Slave families struggle to stay together