the ideal of domesticity

The ideal of domesticity refers to the cultural belief that a woman's primary role is to manage the household and care for family members, emphasizing qualities like nurturing, homemaking, and moral virtue. It emerged strongly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, shaping societal expectations for women to find fulfillment and identity within the home. While it valued stability and family life, this ideal often limited women's opportunities outside the domestic sphere, reinforcing gender roles. Today, it can be seen as a historical concept that influenced societal norms about gender and family responsibilities.