The term “Victorian” remains a living concept in our daily society. The term is related to the reign of Queen Victoria of England from 1837 to 1901. Since it covers a wide time span, the era has been divided into the early-Victorian period (1837-1851), the mid-Victorian period (1851-1875) and the late-Victorian period (1875-1901). “Victorian” is also used today to describe British furniture and architecture made during the greater part of the 19th century. Additionally it refers to British literary works which were written, for instance by Wilkie Collins or Charles Dickens. Furthermore specific social and moral attitudes are associated with the word “Victorian.”
The Victorian age was an age of transition. England was transformed from a feudal and agricultural society into an industrial democracy. Nevertheless the process of the industrial revolution did not only create progress but also problems. One drawback was the hierarchy which was created in the British society leading to a division of people into distinctive social classes. In order to analyze the class distinctions more precisely this term paper concentrates on the specific class divisions that arose especially between the middle class and the working class and on how these differences were characterized. In addition, the three well known Victorian values of the middle and working class, family life, respectability and self-help, are defined and discussed.
Due to the fact that it is not possible to discuss the whole Victorian period as one homogenous era, the discussion of the social classes and their values is restricted to the mid-Victorian period. In order to understand the society in the Victorian era it is necessary to depict a brief overview of the historical circumstances concerning the Victorian society.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Historical Context
3. Social Class and Class Distinctions
3.1 The Aristocracy
3.2 The Middle Class
3.3 The Working Class
4. Victorian Values
4.1 The Family
4.2 Respectability and Self-Help
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper aims to analyze the specific class divisions within mid-Victorian England, focusing on the distinctions between the middle and working classes, and to examine how three central Victorian values—family life, respectability, and self-help—were defined, perceived, and applied across these different social strata.
- The hierarchical structure of mid-Victorian society.
- Distinctions between the aristocracy, the middle class, and the working class.
- The projection of middle-class norms onto the working class.
- The role of "Respectability" as a marker of social identity.
- The evolution and socio-economic implications of the "Self-Help" ideology.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2 The Middle Class
While the aristocracy consisted of about 40, 000 to 50,000 members in 1851, approximately 4 million people could be categorized as belonging to the middle class. The concept of a middle class standard of living was introduced in the 1830s. A set of standards was provided by which membership of the middle class could be determined.
J. F. Harrison highlights these standards: The determinants of membership of the middle class were [...] an income above a certain minimum, a particular occupation or calling, education beyond simple literacy, recognised religious affiliations, a certain style of home- in short, the wherewithal to lead a comfortable life.
An additional distinguishing aspect was the fact that the middle class was a servant-keeping class. Harrison calls attention to the fact that the purpose of employing servants was not only to make one’s life more comfortable, but rather a way to distinguish oneself from the working class who could not afford someone to help out with the household chores. In fact, even the middle class families who lived in fairly modest conditions had at least one servant who would work for them. Even if the duty that this particular servant performed was trivial at the very least his/her work served as a status symbol for the family.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the scope of the term "Victorian," defines the timeframe of the study, and identifies the core research interest in mid-Victorian class divisions and values.
2. Historical Context: Provides an overview of the political and social landscape of England during the Victorian era, emphasizing the transition to an industrial society and the relative stability of the mid-Victorian period.
3. Social Class and Class Distinctions: Analyzes the hierarchical structure of English society, detailing the defining characteristics, roles, and status markers of the aristocracy, middle class, and working class.
4. Victorian Values: Explores the conceptualization of family, respectability, and self-help, discussing how these middle-class ideals were often imposed upon or rejected by the lower social classes.
Keywords
Victorian Age, Social Class, Class Distinctions, Mid-Victorian Period, Middle Class, Working Class, Aristocracy, Victorian Values, Family Life, Respectability, Self-Help, Industrial Revolution, Social Hierarchy, Industrial Democracy, Class Consciousness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines the social hierarchy and class distinctions in mid-Victorian England, specifically investigating how different classes were defined and how middle-class values influenced the rest of society.
Which social groups are the main subjects of analysis?
The study focuses on the Aristocracy, the Middle Class, and the Working Class, exploring their distinct roles and status within the mid-Victorian social structure.
What is the research goal regarding Victorian values?
The objective is to define and discuss three core values—family life, respectability, and self-help—to understand how they were used to distinguish social classes and assert social identity.
What methodology does the author employ?
The author uses historical analysis and literature review to synthesize existing academic perspectives on the Victorian period and its social norms.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers the historical context of the era, detailed examinations of class definitions, and an in-depth look at Victorian moral and social values.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include social class, Victorian values, respectability, self-help, industrial society, and class hierarchy.
How did the middle class use servants to differentiate themselves?
Middle-class families used domestic servants as a status symbol to create a tangible barrier between themselves and the working class, regardless of the necessity of the labor.
Why was the concept of "Self-Help" controversial?
While the middle class promoted "Self-Help" as a pathway to individual improvement, it was often viewed by the laboring poor as an unrealistic demand to succeed despite systemic poverty and social disadvantages.
- Quote paper
- Alexandra Köhler (Author), 2007, Social Class of the Mid-Victorian Period and its Values , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/116639
