Roles of Men and Women in The Antebellum Era

Women were greatly involved in the American anti-slavery movement which evolved ideas about the activities carried out by both men and women in the antebellum American life. The laws were enforced stating the rights of men and women based on the behavior, religion and the moral and social change. The rules determined how women viewed themselves and their actions in the abolished laws. Dwyer (393) argues that the roles of gender were determined by the feminine and masculine traits mostly in the northern part of America which was more commercialized. The views held, women were meant to be morally pure, highly emotional and intuitive and submissive to their husbands and performed the housekeeping duties and took care of the children. On the other hand, men played their roles in being intellectual and strong, hardworking and highly skilled and make living for his family in the arising ways of trade.

The roles of women took place at home while those of men took place in the public. Men adapted to public spheres which they fulfilled to prove their masculinity while women served in private spheres. The Americans believed that so long as men hold their position in public spheres and ladies in private spheres, the social, political and economic state would be stable. Women were mistreated as they could not make any contract, buy or sell any property as the property rights were attached to their husbands, they could not sue men for any action not even rape case but only men could sue him for injuries. Women were denied rights to exercise their democratic rights through voting since their rights were legally covered to their husbands who participated in political view hence improving his capacity to the political sphere. Ladies never had enough time for their education due to commitments of child-rearing responsibilities.

The northern part of the United States underwent revolution which enforced development, urban areas growing and the introduction of the marketplace economy, which facilitated changes for antebellum. The economic, social and political changes promoted a rise in social evils like prostitution and alcohol drinking, this was criticized by the large rise in religious beliefs which provoked evils ending prostitution in the region, therefore, purifying the nation. Women participated mostly in the Christian revivalism, the second great awakening than men who were highly concerned with religious issues and moral concerns and assumed leading roles in the effort of social transformations (Dwyer 399). Women used this chance to gain their public voice, as they were able to evade themselves from some charges thereby gained popularity in public concerns.

In about 1800s, some marginal religions commenced an institution of slavery and slavery now became a challenge to the economy in the lower region where they enslaved African American tortured in contrast to their need to provide farms of rice and cotton as well as small farmsteads and urban trades. Southern captivity made it easy for the Arctic region economy on trade and mechanization as they also benefited from dealers and manufacturers. The white reformers criticized the issue of slavery which later became the greatest sin as the act was so cruel. Cristian reformers gained powers and could save the soul of a sinner. According to Hollister (308), the new Anti-slavery society was formed in England and in America, which both were abolished in the 1830s reflecting their religious roots, campaigns of moral suasion, arose with the primary objective being to arouse public sympathy for the slaves.

The other reform movement of the antebellum era was the abolition of female participation and support as women entered the movement committed to challenging the institution of slavery as the male could not understand what the full repercussions of their actions. It has become stylish to shower upon the sex a plentiful of salutations to the women with good sense and ambition as they are the ones who influence good manners to the society. Through the reforms, the Christianity has given the woman her true space in the society as peace on earth and good will to men. This is the character of all rights and influence of the power of woman hence enabling equality in participation. The reforms give the woman duty as everything she does by peace and love by making herself so much respects, esteem and love that they gain opinions to gratify her wishes is free will offering of the heart. This is accomplished in the in the home and social circle of life. Women are let to be intellectual and cultivate to gain respect as the collision and competition is banished the action of ladies will actually motivate their husbands and their sons hence they will, therefore, find an influence to the leadership around them.

Females gain intellectual and as they approach the other sex, education will improve and prove doubtful approvals. But this is rarely the case as the intelligent women become more appreciate the wisdom which will be of great help and submissively involved in duties. The field for the practice of political arena, arts and sciences as well as the liberal professions in agriculture, commerce trade and manufactures needs both educated men and women and therefore better education to all parties ultimately increases production enhancing better standards of living of people (Hollister 317). The reforms of the antebellum era have led to the aspect of affairs as when things seem to be going wrong, women are seen as the advocators of peace and therefore acts as the mediators to promote peace, love, and unity. Through the reforms, a woman has freedom of expression and therefore may seek the aid of cooperation among her own sex, to assist in offices, carry out charitable duties, maternal roles and home chores hence general principles are correct in the abolishment of the movement.

In conclusion, in order to abolish good technology in all aspects, the reforms on the lifestyles of both men and women need to be put into consideration. This should entail reforming the education sector, leadership programs as well as duties and responsibilities of each to improve gender equality in action and enable ladies participation in the matters to promote good unity and change in the society.