Blog #4

Section A

1. The concept of True Womanhood was about the differences between men and women. It suggested that men were intellectually capable of making political decisions and leading businesses. Additionally, because men were physically stronger than women, they could perform heavy labors. On the other hand, according to True Womanhood women didn’t have to get involved in anything outside of their households. They were to obey and assist their husbands. Moreover, women were only to manage their homes. This idea was very much suitable for women of middle and high class society, the wealthy. Even though they preached this concept, in poor families women had to worked outside of their homes.

2. The Lowell mill girls were women who started working in factories. In the beginning of the industrialization era the factory owners needed women to come out of their homes and work for them. This movement was allowed because it benefited the capitalist men. Cheaper labor was going to result in more capital gained. Beside the individual gain the country would also have stronger and more stable economy. This movement indirectly benefited women as well. While the salaries were low, many women were able to financially help their husbands. Single women finally had a chance to become their own providers. The changes in women’s lives were beginning to gradually take place.

Section B

1. Sanger doesn’t believe that women who exercise prostitution are morally corrupt. He thinks that while both men and women must have virtues, the society only judges women for engaging in sexually immoral actions. More importantly, Sanger believes that a man who acquires the services of a prostitute, he is accountable for such action. The woman is only a victim. Additionally, he insists that women do have sexual needs and desires. However, these needs are awaked by an outside source, men. Because his job is related to prostitution (prostitutes are brought to him when caught), he decides to question them. By survey many prostitutes he concludes that many women, who have high moral values, sell their bodies for several reasons.

2. Sanger actually thinks that social, economic, and at time family factors influence some women to become prostitutes. First, Sanger thinks that women are victims of the social structure. Sanger points out that women who are seduced and later engaged into sexual activities are called immoral. Whereas, men, who also take part in such actions, are not such severely judged in the society. Additionally, some women have addictions to substances, such as alcohol. While their addictions may be the results of other traumatic event, such as abuse, these women are now prostitutes to maintain the habit. Finally, many women have financial difficulties in providing for themselves and for their children as well. Therefore, they sell their bodies.

3. Sanger’s conclusions are reflected in the many ways he justifies women’s actions. While he is trying to inform the society about the reasons of prostitution, Sanger fixed his position as women’s defender. His reasons for women to exercise prostitution are traced back to the social structure of his time. The society that is condemning these prostitutes is the ruling class, the wealthy. What Sanger is trying to do is to hold this very society accountable for women’s hardships, most importantly for prostitution. While his work is appreciated and remembered, I don’t think the society then understood the idea of prostitution and its whys; it certainly doesn’t now. Even if the society understands prostitution, it doesn’t want to be responsible for such conflict. Sanger’s hopes are still to be hopes.