Class and Marriage in Victorian England

In Victorian England (1837-1901), class structures were rigid, with society divided into distinct groups: the upper, middle, and working classes. Marriage was often viewed as a social contract rather than a romantic union, serving to strengthen family ties, consolidate wealth, and enhance social status. Women had limited rights and were typically expected to marry. Those in the upper and middle classes often aimed for advantageous matches, while love marriages were more common among the working class. The ideals of virtue, propriety, and the domestic role of women were emphasized, shaping societal expectations surrounding marriage and family life.