Women
Expectation & Education
In preparation for winning a husband, women were taught what were known as "accomplishments" either at boarding schools or at home by way of a governess. According to Caroline Bingly, "A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages."(ch. 8)
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Women's talents in music and visual arts were highly regarded, but when it came to writing, their talents were discouraged.
The derogatory term, "blue stocking" was given to any woman who devoted herself to intellectual pursuits. These women were seen as trying to surpass the man's natural intellectual superiority. Some doctors actually reported that the pursuit of knowledge actually dried out the ovaries.
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A little girl in 19th century england could expect a life of learning household skills and talents to prepare her for a husband. The idea of never finding a husband was both embarrassing and terrifying, for, without a man, a woman had no rights.
Woman's Rights
or lack there of...
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Under 19th century British law women were hardly considered people at all. Rather, they were viewed as an extension of their husband. Women could not own or even inherit property or money and did not have the right to vote because the government assumed they would be represented by their husbands, fathers, and sons.
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Early branches of the women's rights movement began in the 19th century, but not until after Jane Austen's death.
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In the social environment of the 19th century men and women functioned in "separate spheres" only coming together for breakfast and dinner. The men lived a public life. Taking care of all matters outside the home. The women lived a domestic life, dealing only with matters inside the home. A woman did not normally leave the house unless she was accompanied by a man. Women were considered physically weaker but morally superior to men, and therefore treated almost like children.