The dialogue on the roles women should play in society takes place between two notable women of the 19th century: Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, who was the queen consort of the United Kingdom and wife of King William IV, and Catharine Esther Beecher, an American educator, "first female philosopher and theologian", known for her "vital role in the moral and social progress in nineteenth century America" (Gardner, 2004, p. 1)
Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen (hereinafter referred to as "Adelaide"): Good evening, my dear Catharine. I haven't seen you for a very long time. So tell me what you have been doing?
Catharine Esther Beecher (hereinafter referred to as "Catharine"): Good evening, Your Highness. I am very pleased to meet you again. I have been having a busy time recently, working upon my work and "numerous articles on women's proper roles as wives and mothers" (Wayne & Banner, 2015, p. 52). And how have you been? What is happening in England?
Adelaide: You know, I am married to King William IV and, therefore, I am the "mistress of our house, whose paramount and a lifelong responsibility is child-rearing" (Steinbach, 2005). I am exerting every effort trying to make our house a home as "a house is no home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as for the body" (Fuller, 1971, p. 15). Of course, you know that an aristocratic woman is also an employer. So alongside with visiting and giving numerous dinners and fulfilling my other social duties, I also "hire, pay, supervise, and fire most of the family's staff" (Steinbach, 2005). Everything is just the same old way. But I would like to find out more about your works and articles. Would you be so kind to tell me everything about what you do in America?
Catharine: I involved myself in an "evangelical zeal both in the actual teaching of women and in campaigning for female education" (Gardner, 2004, p. 1). I am trying to make a real difference in the society I live in.
Adelaide: Do you actually think that educating women is so important? Taking into consideration that modern society "has become increasingly domesticated and child-centered", do all women need education? Don't you think that it might ruin traditional state of life in our society?
Catharine: "The long-standing and persistent belief that men and women naturally occupy separate spheres is derived from the patriarchal belief that men are meant to rule" (Ford, 2008, p. 16). Consequently, such ideology "promotes the belief that due to women's role in reproduction, they are best suited to occupy the private sphere of home and family" (Ford, 2008, p. 16). However, I strongly believe that outlook at life should be dramatically changed.
Adelaide: As far as I am concerned, there is a common law in your country, known as coverture, which "contributes to women's lack of power in the public sphere by defining married couples as one entity entirely represented in civil society by the husband" (Ford, 2008, p. 16).
Catharine: You are absolutely correct. But women have to realize that raising children is not their only responsibility and that they have other opportunities in life. Although I agree with an opinion that being a mother is a fundamental role of any woman, I believe that "the fulfillment of those roles should begin with a proper education and that American women have a duty to receive an education so that they can become responsible teachers of the young, whether as mothers or as schoolteachers" (Wayne & Banner, 2015, p. 53).
Adelaide: I see your point, but let me tell you this: I delegate my day-to-day responsibilities to my staff. The majority of these women have no education. Nevertheless, they are doing a good job and acquit themselves of duties well. I am pretty sure that none of these women have never thought of acquiring an education, becoming a teacher or playing a part in social or political life. Are you in agreement with me?
Catharine: They might have never thought about such opportunities. However, if all those women had proper education, numerous opportunities for development would open up for them. Therefore, I believe that empowerment of women is the fundamental challenge of the 19th century, which needs to be resolved, and I am exerting every effort towards this end.
Adelaide: Do you believe that in the nearest future, the majority of women in our states, regardless of their race, social status and material wealth, will become educated and have an opportunity to play an important role in political and economic life?
Catharine: Although this may sound beyond belief, I find it possible that any woman might play an important role in society, regardless of origin and social status. Obviously, this may trigger a wave of indignation on the part of men. Nevertheless, I believe that all women will have an opportunity to occupy prestigious and respected positions in any fields of activity in the nearest future. More than that, I hold on to a belief that one day women will be paid on an equal basis with men and practise a profession in traditionally 'masculine' activities. What is your opinion on this matter?
Adelaide: I also believe that the role women play in society will change in the future. However, I do not believe that such fundamental and dramatic changes mentioned by you will take place in the nearest future. Probably, women will have fewer children and more women will start pursuing a profession. Nevertheless, I do not believe that all men and women will be considered as equal. Only time will tell
References
Ford, L. E. (2008). Encyclopedia of women and American politics. New York: Facts On File.
Fuller, M. (1971). Woman in the nineteenth century. New York: Norton.
Gardner, C. V. (2004). Heaven-Appointed Educators of Mind: Catharine Beecher and the Moral Power of Women. Hypatia, 19(2), 1-16.
Steinbach, S. (2005). Women in England 1760-1914: A social history. London: Phoenix.
Wayne, T. K., & Banner, L. W. (2015). Women's rights in the United States: A comprehensive encyclopedia of issues, events, and people. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO.
