What were the four ideals of True Womanhood?

The four ideals of True Womanhood—Piety, Purity, Submissiveness, and Domesticity—reflected the societal expectations placed on women, particularly in the 19th century in America.

Piety emphasized the importance of women's religious devotion, highlighting the belief that women had a sacred role in promoting moral values within the family and society at large. Purity underscored the expectation that women maintain sexual modesty and chastity, which were considered essential qualities for a respectable woman. Submissiveness reinforced the idea that women should be deferential to male authority, particularly in marriage, where obedience to husbands was stressed. Lastly, Domesticity celebrated the role of women as caretakers of the home, indicating that their primary responsibilities were centered around family life and homemaking.

These ideals collectively shaped the cultural landscape of the time, dictating not only how women were viewed but also how they were expected to behave within the confines of both the family structure and broader societal roles. This framework had lasting implications on gender roles in America.