Ideas regarding Women and Motherhood within The Gilded Age

The concept of the mother was an idea under great change during the Gilded Age. Previous works created during the early 1800’s, such as “The Mother at Home; or the principles of Maternal Duty” by John S.C. Abbot, focused on describing the mother as “the guardian and guide of the early years of life, from her goes the most powerful influence, in the formation of the character of the man.”[1] These kinds of constricting concepts focused on describing the mother as the “first line of defense” within the home. However, as time went on, these notions were challenged and altered for women and mothers alike began to focus on their own self-worth, which in turn would lead to an eventual shift in gender roles.

One such individual who openly expressed these emerging notions was Mrs. E. R. Shepherd, who wrote numerous books on changing social etiquettes for both women and men. One such edition that she wrote was titled “For Girls: A Special Physiology; Being A Supplement to the Study of General Physiology.” This was the ninth edition to her list of written pieces and is arguably one of her most influential. This is because it touched mainly on competing ideas involving the mother and how they should freely conduct themselves.

Mrs. Shepherd was a mother who believed that “A knowledge of special and private subjects pertaining to the health and being of a girl is of vital importance to her.”[2] During the 1800’s, beliefs regarding health and beauty were important aspects for young mothers for they grappled with how to effectively take care of themselves, while teaching their children as well. Mrs. Shepherd cities a study from her doctor stating “Restricting the movements of the ribs and diaphragm impairs digestion. It is noted of individuals who restrain the free movements of the abdominal muscles by tight dresses, that the tone and vigor of the digestive organs are diminished.”[3] Tight outfits such as corsets were common for upper to middle class white woman during this period for many men associated a perfect body with being a perfect woman. However, literate mothers began to realize the unrealistic standards these images placed on their young daughters and began to openly express their discontentment like Mrs. Shepherd.

Mrs. Shepherd is only one example of the many influential women during the Gilded Age, while their efforts did not create immediate change, it paved the way to create new social standards that to this day are still valued and upheld.