Victorian England was a time of great change and social upheaval. It was a time of great expansion and innovation, a time when Britain ruled the waves and the Empire stretched across the world. But amidst all this change, there were certain cultural norms and values that remained constant, shaping the society in which people lived.
One of the most important of these cultural norms was a strict code of etiquette that governed everything from social interactions to personal conduct. The Victorians were obsessed with propriety and decorum, and social mores were rigidly enforced. This included formal manners of speech, dress, and behavior, as well as strict guidelines for gender roles and expectations.
Women, for instance, were expected to be demure and submissive, while men were to be strong and assertive. This division was reinforced by social expectations and laws that greatly restricted women’s public activities, including their right to vote.
Another important cultural norm was an emphasis on family and community. Victorians placed great importance on the traditional nuclear family, with the husband as the breadwinner and the wife as the homemaker. This emphasis on family also extended to the larger community, with neighbors and social connections playing a major role in daily life.
Along with these conservative values, there was also a growing interest in cultural and intellectual pursuits. The Victorians were avid readers and patrons of the arts, encouraging the formation of societies dedicated to the promotion of music, literature, and the visual arts.
However, even though the Victorians prized education and intellectualism, this did not necessarily extend to all members of society. The working classes, for instance, were often denied access to higher education and the benefits it provided.
Overall, exploring the major cultural norms in Victorian society provides a fascinating insight into the values and beliefs of this transformative period in British history. From their rigid social codes to their love of family and intellectual pursuits, the Victorians have left a lasting legacy that continues to inform our modern world.
