Final answer:
Victorian culture's lasting legacies in contemporary society include a correlation between moral character and economic success, the hard work ethic, gender norms, and the foundation of modern consumerism with establishments like the Bon Marché.
Step-by-step explanation:
Traces of Victorian Attitudes in Contemporary Society
Victorian culture, which was prevalent during Queen Victoria's reign in the 19th century, left a significant legacy that can still be felt in our society today. This period was characterized by a rigid moral code, stratified social classes, and the beginning of modern consumerism. A particularly notable Victorian attitude that persists is the connection between moral character and economic success - a belief that the wealth and status of individuals were indicators of their ethical conduct rather than just the result of luck, connections, or effort.
Despite the advent of the labor movements and the growing demands of the working class, the Victorian bourgeoisie placed emphasis on hard work and self-restraint, seeing demands for shortened workdays as signs of weakness rather than legitimate claims for fair labor conditions. This ethos has endured in the belief that financial prosperity correlates with personal virtue, contributing to the continuing stigmatization of the poor and the valorization of the wealthy.
Another surviving aspect of Victorianism is the era's distinctive gender norms, including the relegation of women to domestic roles and their expected modesty in appearance and behavior, which are occasionally still endorsed or idealized in some circles even though they have been broadly challenged and redefined over time.
The cultural impact of the Victorian era also set the foundation for modern consumerism. The Bon Marché, a famous department store opened in 1852, symbolized the growing importance of consumer culture. It was an early example of retail venues designed to attract middle-class buyers, an attitude that has influenced the structure of our modern economy where consumption plays a central role.