I can understand why you may find certain limitations on women in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries unfair. Here are the limitations that you mentioned, along with explanations of why they were considered unfair:
1. Lack of voting and property-ownership rights: Women during this time period did not have the right to vote or own property in many countries. This meant that they were denied a voice in political matters and were often unable to exercise control over their own assets and finances. This restriction was seen as unfair because it limited women's participation in public life and hindered their economic independence.
2. Higher rates of diagnosis with mental health issues: During this period, women were indeed diagnosed with mental health issues more often than men. However, it is important to note that this was due to societal biases and misunderstandings about women's emotions and behavior. Women's experiences were often invalidated, and their emotional struggles were pathologized. This unfair treatment further perpetuated gender stereotypes and limited women's agency.
3. Limited access to formal or higher education: Women faced significant barriers when it came to accessing education, particularly higher education. Many universities and colleges were closed to women, or they faced strict limitations on the courses they could take. This restriction was unfair because it denied women the opportunity to pursue their intellectual interests and limited their career prospects.
4. Restricted fashion choices: Women were often expected to adhere to rigid societal expectations regarding fashion, such as wearing corsets and being discouraged from wearing pants. These limitations on clothing were seen as unfair because they restricted women's comfort and mobility, reinforcing gender stereotypes and reinforcing societal expectations of femininity.
5. Limited career choices: Women were primarily expected to fulfill the roles of wife and mother, with limited options for pursuing other careers. This restriction was unfair because it limited women's personal and professional development and perpetuated gender inequality.
It is important to recognize that these limitations were products of their time and have since changed significantly. However, their impact on women's lives and their struggle for gender equality cannot be overlooked.