SOC 502 Lecture 2: module 2

• School: Ryerson University
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 502
• Professor: Kelly Train

Document Summary

Historical overview of the denial of right to women. Prior to the mid-19th century, women had few rights, opportunities, and privileges in society. I. e; denied political right, legal right, marital choice, social freedoms and political rights. Not considered persons in the eyes of law till persons case of 1972. British common law gave husbands almost unlimited and unconstrained power over their wives property and potential assets. Women could not own property or earn wages, must go directly to husband or father. Women conditioned by dominant cultural ideals of marriage, childbirth and childrearing. Until mid-19th century fathers arranged marriage for social benefit of both families, where women could not refuse husbands. Husbands expected domestic (including sexual) and many male children. Male children were viewed as financial and social assets to the family forming part of the productive family unit. Women"s well-being was dependent on the temperament and generosity of the male head of household.