The Duties of Women
A Course of Lectures

A series of essays discussing the political importance of feminism in women's daily lives, first published in 1881.

Frances Power Cobbe (Author)

9781108021036, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 23 September 2010

182 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.1 cm, 0.24 kg

Frances Power Cobbe (1822–1904) was an Irish writer, social reformer and activist best known for her contributions to Victorian feminism. After the death of her father in 1857, Cobbe travelled extensively across Europe before becoming a leader-writer for the London newspaper The Echo in 1868. She continued to publish on the topics of feminism, social problems and theology for the rest of her life. This volume, first published in 1881, contains a series of essays discussing the ethical practice of feminism. Written during a transitional period for the movement, when calls for universal suffrage were becoming the defining feature of feminism, Cobbe advocates the need for women to practice a form of emancipation which does not conform to stereotypical views, in order to avoid a public backlash against universal suffrage. Emphasising the political importance of private behaviours, this volume demonstrates feminist responses to changes in nineteenth century feminism.

Preface
1. Introductory
2. Personal duties of women
3. Social duties: a. Duties arising from relationship
4. Social duties (continued): b. Duties founded on contract
c. Duties of women as mistresses of households
5. Social duties (continued): d. Duties of women as members of society
6. Social duties (continued): e. Duties of women as citizens of the state.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX]