Like in the private sphere, men of the Victorian era were equally active in the public sphere (in contrast to women). Work was crucial in order to achieve a fully masculine status. This was especially true for the middle-class man; male members of the aristocracy were seen as idle because they generally did not work.

What are Victorian men?

During the Victorian period, the Victorian man was the breadwinner and head of the family and household. It was a time where economic and social advancements reached unprecedented levels, and the men credited with these achievements were expected to be dutiful and attentive husbands and fathers.

How was masculinity defined in the Victorian era?

Broadly, Victorian masculinity can be outlined as an ideology of spirituality and earnestness between 1837 and 1870, that changed to one of strength and stoicism from 1870. Strength and athleticism were vital aspects of Victorian masculinity, as today.

What did boys do in Victorian times?

Many worked with their parents at home or in workshops, making matchboxes or sewing. Children could also earn a bit of money as chimney-sweeps, messengers or crossing sweepers like the boy in this picture.

What is the ideal Victorian man?

The real Victorian man was to be spiritual and a faithful believer. Hence, the husband and father was considered to be the pater familias with extensive power. As the head of the household, his duty was not only to rule, but also to protect his wife and children.

What was the ideal Victorian man?

The real Victorian man was to be spiritual and a faithful believer. Hence, the husband and father was considered to be the pater familias with extensive power. As the head of the household, his duty was not only to rule, but also to protect his wife and children.

How much did child chimney sweeps get paid?

From 1773, master chimney sweeps regularly kept anywhere from 2 to 20 children, depending on how many they could use for their business. For each child, the master sweep was paid 3-4 pounds by the government when the apprenticeship agreement was signed.

Why was Victorian London so poor?

People working long hours in Victorian times had to live close to their employment and available housing became scarce and highly-priced. Tenants would themselves let their rooms for 2d to 4d a day to other workers to meet the rent. Hideously overcrowded, unsanitary slums developed, particularly in London.

Did the Victorians invent phones?

the telephone - invented by Alexander Graham Bell and patented in March 1876. the phonograph - invented by Thomas Edison and patented in February 1878 - the forerunner of the gramophone and other devices for playing recorded sound.

Who ruled in Victorian times?

Queen Victoria Queen Victoria ruled Britain for over 60 years. During this long reign, the country acquired unprecedented power and wealth.

What are the dangers of being a chimney sweep?

Work was dangerous and they could get jammed in the flue, suffocate or burn to death. As soot is carcinogenic, and as the boys slept under the soot sacks and were rarely washed, they were prone to chimney sweeps carcinoma.

How many hours a day would a Victorian child work?

Due to a lack of proper ventilation, coal dust was very thick in the air. Considering that Victorian Children would work from 12 to 18 hours a day it is easy to see how respiratory problems could arise.

How did Victorians treat the poor?

Poor people could work in mines, in mills and factories, or in workhouses. Whole families would sometimes have to work so theyd all have enough money to buy food. Children in poor families would have jobs that were best done by people who werent very tall.