The Working Class and 19th Century African American Women

The industrialization of the 19th century brought change to the world of women. One significant impact during this time was the formation of socioeconomic classes. The distinction was made between the middle class, the working class and much poorer classes. Regardless of social class, women's focus on spousal relationships, childrearing, personal fulfillment, and relationships with other women was affected by 19^th century change. This essay will compare and contrast the lives of 19^th century working class and African American women.

Industrialization left women in control of the domestic domain, thus affecting her role as a woman (Woloch, Women 72). The power and responsibility that came along with this new status would be dictated by the middle-class lifestyle. Unfortunately this new "women's sphere" was not easily attained by working class women. "Most women, moreover, were only remote beneficiaries of or untouched by the middle-class bargain. In rural areas, on farms North and South, and on the frontier, traditional ways of life persisted (Woloch, Women 72)." Widely, women and children continued to be part of the "family labor force" under the authority of the male head of household. As wonderful as this new status appeared a "women's influence" experienced no increase if she was not of money or attached to a man who was. "In many cases, the perquisites of women's sphere-influence, autonomy, and authority-were little more than shared aspirations (Woloch, Women 73)."