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Victorian morality

Victorian morality refers to the set of moral values and social norms prevalent during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) in Britain. It emphasized virtues such as respectability, sexual restraint, hard work, and the importance of family. Society was characterized by strict codes of behavior, especially regarding gender roles, with men seen as providers and women as caregivers. Public morality dictated modesty and propriety, while private life often hid issues like poverty and sexuality. This period also sparked debates about social justice, women's rights, and morality, impacting literature, politics, and social reforms of the time.

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  • Image for Victorian morality

    Victorian morality refers to the social values and norms prevalent during the reign of Queen Victoria in Britain (1837-1901). It emphasized strict standards of conduct, modesty, and propriety, particularly regarding sex, family, and personal behavior. This moral framework promoted ideas of respectability, self-discipline, and duty while often condemning behaviors seen as immoral or indecent. The era was marked by a strong focus on the nuclear family, social class distinctions, and a belief in progress and industrialization. Although it aimed to promote a stable society, it often stifled individual expression and led to hypocrisy around issues of sexual morality.