Final answer:
Thomas Wentworth Higginson argues against women working outside the home, reflecting historical perspectives that limited women's rights and confined them to domestic roles. Over time, economic needs and societal changes increased women's labor force participation, and they continued to fight for equal rights and recognition.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the excerpt by Thomas Wentworth Higginson, the author argues against the right of women to work outside the home. Higginson suggests that a woman's essential place is in the care of home and children, which contributes to the family's well-being just as much as the man's outdoor labor. His point of view reflects a historical perspective that sought to maintain traditional gender roles, confining women primarily to domestic tasks and discouraging their participation in the public workforce. This ideology was a significant barrier for women's rights, specifically limiting their economic independence and professional opportunities.
Throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth century, the commonly accepted role for an adult woman was that of wife, mother, and homemaker. Their participation in the labor force was seen as undesirable or a necessary evil during times of financial hardship or war. However, by the 1980s, many married women had no choice but to work both inside and beyond the home due to economic necessities.
Despite social and legal obstacles, women incrementally advanced their rights, including the right to work for wages. Their presence in various sectors such as retail, healthcare, education, and manufacturing marked a slow but progressive change in societal norms. The challenge of balancing the 'second shift', which included both professional and domestic responsibilities, remained a critical issue as women pushed for equity on multiple fronts.