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Introduction
Social roles are often enforced through the cultural upbringing of children, religious beliefs, and legal laws. In the 19th century, a group of feminists decided to oppose the derogative gender expectations that were designed to domesticate and suppress women (Allen 207). Different avenues, including the media, Constitution, and street protests, were used to create awareness and deter oppression against the female sex. The objective of this paper is to critically analyze the writing pieces of Fuller and Fern on the norm which categorizes women as bound and confined in homes and men as free to move around.
Defining Feminism in the 19th Century
The wave which started in the 19th century was primarily spearheaded by white women of middle income. Within this context, feminism was defined as the movement which was pushing for equal rights with men, especially on the property and the rights to vote (Allen 207). Another significant event which occurred was the abolitionist protest intended to end the slave trade in the United States. The issue of gender and race suppression was, thus, a characteristic of the era.
Summary of Fullers Concept on Women Confinement
In her essay, Fuller compares women to enslaved African Americans. The author claims that there exists, in the world of men, a tone of feeling towards women as towards slaves (par. 32). This statement implies that women are not free but subject to the regulations put by men. They are not in a position to make a substantial decision because they are limited in reasoning capabilities. Fuller contradicts this long-held assumption by arguing, if the woman be a soul, apparelled in flesh, to one master only are they accountable (par. 34). Here, the writer indicates that a woman should not be bound by a male human but by God.
Thus, she positions both human sexes at an equal state without demanding subordination and confinement based on gender. Fuller continues saying that if all the females are weaker, then she should have legal protection, not confinement (par. 31). The barbarian oppression obstructed the rights of women by forming unjust laws. This text is more comprehensive as it shows the root cause for the inequality and addresses it from a theological perspective, which has been an anchor in male superiority.
Summary of Ferns Concept of Women Confinement
In her article, Fern uses the image of the female dress code to create a metaphor for domestication. She opens her writing piece by explaining how Emma Wilson was arrested for wearing mans apparel. The attire of ladies was long gowns which made it difficult for them to move. During the rainy season, Fern shows how the women have to hold up their skirts, carry the umbrella, walk around gutters while skipping the peddles (par. 2). Rather than endure all the hurdles, the ladies opt to stay at home. Fern decides that the solution was to defy the rules by putting on her husbands suit (par. 3). Afterward, the spouse tells her, you must not take my arm; you are a fellow (par. 5). The lady gladly agrees and adds that she does not even need help over the puddles. It is apparent that the females never needed the help or conferment, but the norms on their dress code partly contributed to their enslavement to men.
Comparison and Verdict on the Most Effective Text
The aim of the feminists in the 19th century was to attain equality of gender; hence, the most effective text should achieve this objective. Both Fuller and Fern have mentioned areas of oppression when it concerns the enslavement through the confinement of women. The former author provides an utterly profound analysis by giving the metaphor of slaves and comparing them to the females. The text shows that just as enslaved Americans had to obtain permission to go beyond their boundary, similar restrictions were placed on ladies. Fullers text indicates how flawed understanding of religious doctrines has brought oppression upon women. The essay also unveils that women are under both physical and intellectual confinement. However, when humans recognize that males and females have equal souls, only submissive to God, the enslavement will cease.
Fern has also tried expositing female domestication through dress codes which make it cumbersome to walk. She as well recognizes that equality can be achieved when laws are not suppressive. For example, women should not be arrested for wearing trousers because they also want to walk around. However, the text appears to be only limited to policies about dresses and does not assume other aspects that kept women confined. This limitation fails to address the holistic definition of feminism concerning freedom, as Fullers text does.
Conclusion
Oppressive gender roles have existed for centuries, with women always being the victims. The 19th-century feminist movement aimed at obstructing the belief system and laws that suppressed ladies intending to achieve equality. One stereotypical norm was that women are to be confined while men are free to go everywhere. Thus, Fuller takes a theological stance and argues for freedom of women basing on equality of soul. However, Fern focuses on one area of confinement, which is the dress code, and shows that the laws had to be defied. Both authors, therefore, address the issue, but Fullers text is more effective since it provides a more comprehensive review.
Works Cited
Allen, Katherine R. Feminist Theory in Family Studies: History, Reflection, and Critique. Journal of Family Theory & Review, vol 8, no. 2, 2016, pp. 207224. Web.
Fern, Fanny. A Law More Nice than Just. Ruth Hall and Other Writings, edited by Joyce W. Warren, Rutgers University Press, 1986, pp. 299302.
Fuller, Margaret. The Great Lawsuit. Man, Versus Men. Woman Versus Women. The Dial, vol. 4, no. 1, 1843, pp. 147.
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