Expectations of Young Women Then and Now
Expectations of Young Women Then and Now! ... Twentieth century young woman have taken for granted the freedom that their ancestors worked hard for. Nineteenth century women who were born into families of upper and middle class were not expected to do much. However, not all young women were so lucky! A son was often wanted more than a daughter because there were high expectations for him, and none for young women. Young women received only a structured education, which limited their job opportunities. It would not have been normal to see young women with a profession, especially law or medicine. In the book Pride and Prejudice written in early nineteenth century, a middle class family with five young daughters, receiving a minimal education, but seemed to be quite happy. ... Therefore, if young women of the nineteenth century remained unmarried, she would be dependent upon her relatives, receiving a small income from her father or brother, or anyone who could afford to support her.