"[Southern] women were rather conservative. This was where they were placed on a pedestal and kept there a longer period of time than elsewhere."
Cornelia Philips Spencer - Southern
Historical Collection
After the tumult of the Civil War, the American South faced the challenge of rebuilding and redefining its society. Vestiges of traditional, conservative plantation culture and a long-standing focus on genteel, chivalric manners among the wealthy classes helped form the image of the ideal “Southern Lady.” This ideal lady was described as delicate, innocent, modest, self-effacing, good-natured, and gentle. Women were expected to demonstrate these character traits, and in return they were to be protected and placed on a pedestal by their families and husbands.
It was assumed that the Southern woman would marry and raise a family. Her life’s cardinal roles were that of a good wife and mother. A woman was expected to be the heart and moral compass of the family. Part of her responsibility as wife and mother was to mold her children’s characters to reflect good principles and a virtuous upbringing. A woman’s most important duty was to devote her time and energy to supporting her husband, managing her home, and raising her family.
Some readers today may view such a role as limiting or oppressive. However, for many women of the time, it was simply the way things were. It had been the experience of their mothers and grandmothers, and many women felt that these traditional expectations formed a normal, secure, acceptable path for their futures. Nevertheless, as we will see, there were some women whose ambitions and interests did not fit in with this traditional path.
