Question

Passage 2 — from Catherine Beecher, “Treatise on the Domestic Economy”It appears, then, that it is in America, alone, that women are raised to equality with the other sex; and that, both in theory and practice, their interests are regarded as of equal value. They are made subordinate in station, only where a regard to their best interests demands it, while, as if in compensation for this, by custom and courtesy, they are always treated as superiors. Universally in this country, through every class of society, precedence is given to woman, in all the comforts, conveniences, and courtesies, of life.In civil and political affairs, American women take no interest or concern, except so far as they sympathize with their family and personal friends; but in all cases, in which they do feel a concern, their opinions and feelings have a consideration, equal, or even superior, to that of the other sex.In matters pertaining to the education of their children, in the selection and support of a clergyman; in all benevolent enterprises, and in all questions relating to morals or manners, they have a superior influence. In such concerns, it would be impossible to carry a point, contrary to their judgment and feelings; while an enterprise, sustained by them, will seldom fail of success.If those who are bewailing themselves over the fancied wrongs and injuries of woman in this Nation, could only see things as they are, they would know, that, whatever remnants of a barbarous or aristocratic age may remain in our civil institutions, in reference to the interests of women, it is only because they are ignorant of them, or do not use their influence to have them rectified; for it is very certain that there is nothing reasonable, which American women would unite in asking, that would not readily be bestowed.The preceding remarks, then, illustrate the position, that the democratic institutions of this Country are in reality no other than the principles of Christianity carried into operation, and that they tend to place woman in her true position in society, as having equal rights with the other sex; and that, in fact they have secured to American women a lofty and fortunate position, which, as yet, has been attained by the women of no other nation.Analysis1. When Beecher speaks of women’s “best interests” and their “true position in society,” what does she mean?2. According to Beecher, what trade-offs must American women make to obtain their “lofty and fortunate position” in society? In your view, is it a fair exchange?3. According to Beecher, in what realms do women naturally and legitimately exercise power?4. On what grounds does Beecher base her faith that American women can attain anything they “reasonably” ask, and how does she explain any “remnants” of bad treatment that might remain in the present?

Answer 1

Catherine Beecher's text is grounded in the 19th-century ideology of the Cult of Domesticity, where women exert influence from within the private sphere of home and family, seen as their 'true position.' She claims that American women have a unique and favorable status, able to effect change if they exercise their influence in areas deemed appropriate, such as moral and domestic affairs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage from Catherine Beecher’s “Treatise on Domestic Economy” reflects the ideals of the Cult of Domesticity and the separate spheres doctrine that emerged during the early 19th century, which assigned men to the public sphere and women to the private sphere of home and family. Beecher implies that women’s “best interests” are served by this division, suggesting that their influence is best exerted within the home as moral compasses and educators of virtue. Beecher believes that by confining themselves to this role, American women have achieved a superior influence in the moral and domestic realms. This influence includes the centrality of their role in family matters, such as the education of children and the support of clergymen, as well as their impact on benevolent enterprises and moral standards. Beecher posits that women have the power to make reasonable demands and rectify any “remnants” of unequal treatment, and she bases this on the democratic and Christian principles she perceives as underpinning American society.