The difference in attitudes towards genders played a significant role in history. Men were regarded as having more legal, social, and economic rights and protection. With the emergence of abolitionist activities in the 19th-century, women began to speak more about this form of injustice, demanding changes. The reform impulses altered women’s place in society, making them equal to men in the ability to speak publicly, pursue their liberty, and attain their goals.
During the age of reform, women’s situation in society was inferior to men. They were regarded as homemakers whose role was to keep houses in order. They could not obtain a higher education or teach men. Females had limited property ownership and legal rights, and they could not control their “earnings, collection of debts,” and inheritance (Corbett et al. ch. 13.5). In the 19th-century feminist movement, women began to declare their position and opinion.
During the antebellum reforms, the role of women and their position in society changed. First, females stated that they should be considered “moral guardians” of the families (Corbett et al. ch. 13.5). In addition, they began to give public lectures introducing their positions. For instance, Grimké sisters’ participation in the abolitionist movement allowed them to speak in public, which attracted social attention and helped to strengthen women’s positions. The next change concerns the declaration of equality of men and women’s rights during the Seneca Falls Convention. Mott and Cady Stanton, the activists of the feminist movement, organized this conference in an attempt to demonstrate that females also had the right to pursue liberty and moral well-being. Consequently, the position of women changed because they gained acceptance and recognition as being equal to men.
Thus, the reforms of the 19th century led to the increased role of women in society, making them equal to men in their ability to speak, pursue liberty, and aspire to achieve happiness. Since females had limited legal, educational, and financial rights, they participated in the abolitionist movement. It helped them declare their opinion regarding their place in society and display their intention to become equal to men. Their public speeches, organization of conferences, and introduction of documents allowed them to become more independent and gain more rights.
Work Cited
Corbett, P. Scott et al. U.S. History. Openstax, 2014.