#304 Public Women

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. Photo credit: Library of Congress.

Preparation:

• Watch “Crash Course U.S. History #16: Women in the 19th Century” (13:10) (embedded video to right).
• Read Foner, 356-59 (The Rise of the Public Woman, Women and Free Speech, Women’s Rights, Feminism and Freedom, Women and Work, and The Slavery of Sex)
• Please bring Foner to class.

Opener:

• Why do we study the history of women’s rights? Is it about an attempt to expand coverage to her-story? Or is it something broader?

Key terms: Women’s Rights

For each term identified in Foner provide a definition that explains how the term relates to the early women’s movement and – if you’d like – your own comment:

• Cult of Domesticity (p. 275)
• Temperance (p. 345)
• Suffrage (p. 357)

Similarly, we will examine three terms that are often used when discussing the women’s movement. For these, please provide a definition, an example (from any context or time period), and – if you’d like – your own comment.

• Patriarchy
• Misogyny
• Feminism

Discussion:

• We will use the key terms exercise as a launching point to a discussion. Some additional questions to consider might be:
  • Why might have women entered the public sphere as social reformers as opposed to businesswomen or some other role?
  • Why do you think the idea of women’s rights was so controversial in the middle of the nineteenth century? In what ways does it remain so today?
  • Identify common expressions of misogyny today.
  • Is the fundamental task of feminism complete?

Applying key terms: Declaration of Sentiments

• Once you have these items complete, see which of these terms you can find reflected in The Declaration of Sentiments and Rights (external link) from the Women’s Rights Convention at Seneca Falls, 19-20 July 1848.

Homework:

• Sections HH250-09 and HH250-10 should review the Cemetery Project page and meet next class at the Cemetery.
• Sections HH250-01 and HH250-15 have already completed the Cemetery Project and should proceed to homework #305.