The Women’s Movement in Victorian London:
How women worked against "the modern" in their struggle for suffrage

By Kalle Condliffe

Victorian Women

 

Victorian women When one thinks of women in Victorian London, one often envisions the docile, fragile, elegant women often depicted in art and literature. The concept of Victorian feminism seems like an oxymoron. While this is the common perception, it is not the full truth; the women’s movement in London really began in earnest during the Victorian era and led the way for progress throughout Europe. Women in London however were at a disadvantage; they were living in a society that believed whole-heartedly in the concept of separate spheres. Based on what was thought to be reliable scientific research at the time, most men and many women believed that men existed in a sphere of rationalism, independence and aggression, while women were dependent, domestic, maternal and emotional. Coincidentally, these were not characteristics identified with politicians, lawyers or entrepreneurs, making it almost impossible for a woman to succeed.

Due to the separate sphere ideology and the general rejection of the educated and capable woman, the women’s movement was forced to regress socially in order to make political progress; this sociopolitical phenomenon was reflected and reinforced through the artistic representation of women in Victorian London. Women fought for suffrage by promoting the ideology that cast them as inferior. While this method was effective in granting women political rights, it did little for changing their way of life or promoting their interests. While the early Women’s movement in London made tremendous strides toward suffrage, it did not succeed in changing women’s status in society dramatically. It was not until the early to mid 20th century that women really began to take a stand against social as well as political oppression.

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