Discuss+the+evolution+of+women's+roles+and+women's+opportunities+in+the+family,+the+workplace,+and+society.

A woman in modern America is typically expected to be a superhero of some sorts: balancing work, raising children and being a joint head of the family consumes her life. In the 1800s, the role of a woman was completely different, yet evolving on its way to becoming the role that is in our society now. In the mid-1800s, women were able to do what they wanted more, but there were still reins on them. In Document A, a woman who was obviously enjoying herself, although the ways she enjoyed herself, in many peoples eyes, may not have been appropriate for women at the time was converted by a priest. Her friends had persuaded her to go to the priest, because they did not approve of her actions. The woman was converted. This document shows that women were not quite respected enough so that their friends would allow them to do what they pleased. A woman could not just be left alone to do what she liked quite yet. But, the fact that a conversion was even seen as necessary shows that women were becoming more independent and their roles were changing. Women typically worked in mills. This gave them a sense of purpose, and they were doing some of the same things men did. Although they were not paid directly, as a man would be, working more was still a step in the right direction. Women were starting to have more worth than someone who was simply good for looking pretty. Document B states that Lowell mill girls started work at five o'clock and collectively worked for about 15 hours. This also changed women's role at home. They were not home as much so they were more relaxed at home, and appreciated home and time with their children more, rather than disciplining all the time. An extreme change from womankind's previous role, educating women was seen as important and worthwhile. Document C demonstrates that women were starting to be seen in a better, more respected light. The document states that the problem with mankind is that America spend all its effort and expense educating men when it should have been educating women, God's "first teacher". This supposedly would have lead to a better society. Women who were educated were actually respected. Dorthea Dix, a woman who spoke out for the rights of the insane, persuaded many to rethink the treatment of the mentally unstable. By the 1850s, women were starting to go off on their own and do what they wanted to do. If a woman wanted to smoke, she smoked. If she wanted to wear slightly shorter skirts, she wore them proudly. Granted, these women faced much more scrutiny than a woman who went along with the tide would (Document E). Yet, a woman doing such things was much less unheard of. Finally, in the 1850s, women started petitioning for their rights. This was a very important step for women, although their efforts did not pay off until 1920 when they were finally granted their rights. Document F states that "Woman is surely as competent to give [the] consent [of being taxed and governed] as man...she is entitled to a voice in fixing the amount of taxes and the use of them...and is entitled to a voice in the laws that regulate punishments." Once women started petitioning for their rights, they really could no longer be ignored. The role of women is still changing in today's society, and has been changing since the 1800's, when women became more recognized and respected as individuals with rights. These beginning years were crucial in order for the role of a woman to become one of a respected citizen.