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Gender-Based Rights

Gender-Based Rights

One important aspect of the social fabric of contemporary Britain was the significant difference between the rights of men and women. While women were primarily responsible for caring for domestic issues, they had no legal rights. Women were unable to vote, hold property when married, go to university, earn equal wages for equal work or enter certain professions. This vast discrepancy is representative of the significant differences between the lives of various British citizens; depending on one’s economic path, education, or gender, one would have a better chance at a fair and prosperous life. As London had a large population and was home to the British government, it was often the center of these debates and problems. London was the representative of Britain to the rest of the world; it was also the home of the people with the most potential to progressively reform the country.

This print, "Marriage A La Mode" (1822), by William Hogarth, presents a a typical domestic situation, with gender-specific attire and activities.

• Read more about the differences between genders and the importance of this divide.
• View images of male and female attire during the 18th century.