What Was Practically Unacceptable in the Victorian Era: Social Norms and Practices

In the Victorian Era, a time characterized by strict social norms and moral codes (1837-1901), several behaviors and practices were considered practically unacceptable. This period, marked by rigid class structures and high moral standards, saw a range of societal taboos and restrictions. Understanding these norms provides insight into the values and mindsets of the time.

Social Norms and Practices

Sexual Liberation

Open discussions about sexuality, premarital sex, and extramarital affairs were taboo. Women in particular were expected to adhere to strict standards of chastity and virtue. This strictness extended to societal expectations and legal realities.

Divorce

While legally possible, divorce was socially stigmatized. Women faced significant disadvantages in divorce proceedings, often seen as a failure of moral character. The social stigma and limited legal protections contributed to the rarity of divorce.

Interactions Between Different Social Classes

Interactions between different social classes were frowned upon. The upper classes often looked down on the lower classes, and social mobility was limited. The rigid class structure limited upward mobility and perpetuated social stratification.

Public Displays of Affection

Any overt displays of affection in public, such as kissing or hugging, were considered inappropriate. Victorians valued decorum and restraint in social interactions, reflecting a collective desire to maintain propriety.

Challenging Authority and Political Views

Challenging societal norms, questioning the monarchy, or expressing radical political views could lead to social ostracism or even legal repercussions. The period emphasized adherence to traditional values and respect for authority.

Alcoholism and Drug Use

While alcohol was widely consumed, excessive drinking was viewed negatively. Drug use, particularly of opiates, was also frowned upon, despite its prevalence in medicine. This reflected a broader societal concern with controlling substance use.

Women's Independence

Women seeking education, careers, or independence outside the home were often criticized. The ideal Victorian woman was expected to be devoted to her family and domestic duties, limiting opportunities for women to pursue personal or professional growth.

Poverty and Homelessness

There was a strong emphasis on personal responsibility, and poverty was often seen as a moral failing. The plight of the poor was frequently ignored or blamed on individual shortcomings. This focus on personal responsibility reflected a class-based view that individual merit determined one's social status.

Physical Activities: Unacceptable for the Majority

In the early 19th century, people believed that girls and women should preserve their bodies for something very special—childbirth. Thus, physical activities were seen as “dangerous” for them. Furthermore, the greater the physical difference between men and women, the better it was to control them. This mindset only worked among the nobility, as poor women and children often worked in harsh conditions in coal mines, steel mills, textile industries, and agriculture.

However, by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attitudes began to change. Middle and upper-class girls played tennis, badminton, and cricket. Some engaged in archery, swimming, and gymnastics. These activities symbolized a shift towards a more balanced view of physicality and gender roles, gradually breaking away from the rigid norms of the past.