Victorian Era Women's Roles PDF

## UNIT 1 FEMALE EMANCIPATION ### 2 VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT Find in the text the words that match the following definitions. a A great deal of money, property, or possessions b The horses, cattle, sheep, and other useful animals kept or raised on a farm or ranch c The act of gathering ripened crops...

## UNIT 1 FEMALE EMANCIPATION ### 2 VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT Find in the text the words that match the following definitions. a A great deal of money, property, or possessions b The horses, cattle, sheep, and other useful animals kept or raised on a farm or ranch c The act of gathering ripened crops d To make (beer, etc.) by boiling and fermenting the ingredients e Any fabric or cloth, especially woven f A woman whose husband has died and who has not remarried ### 2 Women's role in the Victorian era The reign of Queen Victoria, from 1837 to 1901, marked the period known in history as the Victorian era. During these years, the rights which the women enjoyed were similar to those of young children: they were not allowed to vote, sue or even own property. They lived a life centered on the home, on their husband and on their children. Women who belonged to the noble class lived and enjoyed a life of luxuries: their main job was to instruct the servants on what was to be done and to groom younger girls of the same class to become women. Approximately half of all lower working-class women were in domestic service; others were barmaids and chambermaids. The middle-class women were expected to take education, help in the family business and try to get married into the nobility. Upper working-class women had a variety of jobs and earned a decent livelihood by becoming a governess, housekeeper, or school teacher. http://victorian-age-org ### 1 Decide if the statements are True or False. Correct the false statements. | Statement | Correct | |---|---| | During the reign of Queen Victoria, women had few rights. | T | | Women could not vote, but they could bring legal action against somebody in court. | T | | Women's life was mainly at home. | T | | Noble women's task was to teach their daughters to grow into women. | T | | About 50% of lower-working class women were maids. | T | | Upper working-class women could not work. | F | ### GLOSSARY Groom (to): to prepare for a position Livelihood: occupation or employment This document is about the role of women during the Victorian era. It highlights the various social restrictions that women faced during this time. It also describes the different roles that women of different social classes played in Victorian society.