Final answer:
Societal perceptions of women's fragility in history were perpetuated by cultural norms and legal systems, like the 'separate spheres' concept in the Victorian era. Advocates for women's rights, such as Sojourner Truth and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, challenged these notions, while the experiences of immigrant and minority women reflected the pervasive belief in women's fragility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Throughout history, societal perceptions of women's fragility were entrenched in cultural norms, laws, and employment practices. The concept of feminism, particularly the First Wave Feminism, challenged these notions. Women like Sojourner Truth and Elizabeth Cady Stanton argued against the idea that women were delicate and unsuited for certain roles, promoting women's suffrage and equal rights. The Victorian era solidified the concept of 'separate spheres' dictating distinct societal roles for men and women, with men in the public sphere and women confined to the domestic sphere. This was institutionalized in various laws, including Article 231 of the Code Napoleon, which stated that a husband is to protect his wife, who owes him obedience.
From the plight of immigrant and minority women facing abuse and harsh working conditions to the regimented lives of factory women at places like the Boston Associates mills, societal attitudes reflected the belief in women's inherent fragility and dependency. Such attitudes were also critiqued in literature, exemplified by the referenced narrative of Josephine, which subtly illustrates the restrictive nature of the era's gender roles.