Final answer:
The 19th century was the period where both men and women were expected to strictly follow a code of etiquette when attending balls. Social norms were rigid, and non-adherence could result in being denied admission to such events. In East Asia, similar expectations for women's behavior existed in the 16th and 17th centuries, while the 1920s began to see a shift in gender relations and sexual expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The strict code of etiquette for men and women attending balls, where non-adherence would lead to non-admission, is largely characteristic of the 19th century social norms, especially in Europe and America. During this century, social conduct was particularly rigid, with clear instructions on how individuals, particularly women, were to behave in public gatherings like balls. The 1800s were marked by a societal expectation for women to uphold high moral standards and possess impeccable manners. In England, for instance, women faced legal limitations and social expectations that men did not, highlighting the gendered double standards of the time.
In East Asia, similar rules regarding proper behavior for women were also pronounced in the 16th and 17th centuries, reflecting public concerns for the morals of society. Whether in China or Japan, treatises of advice for women were widespread, and adherence to these customs and norms was critical for maintaining one's reputation and social standing. This period recognized the importance of public behavior as a reflection of personal and family virtue.
Contrasting with earlier times, the 1920s began to witness a shift in gender relations and sexual expression, where women started to challenge the Victorian modes of behavior and expressed more agency. Yet, even as some notions of sexual freedom emerged, the etiquette at balls and similar public gatherings remained notably traditional.