The Republican Mother and the Woman Citizen

Name
Tutor
Subject
Date
The Republican Mother and the Woman Citizen
The concept of republican motherhood was born during the American Revolution. During this period, the roles of women in the society changed drastically as a result of the democratic ideals, and the relationship within the family become liberal. Ideally, women become the custodians of civic virtues and were expected to raise their children by the values of the republic as well as craft the behaviors of their husbands. Through the idea of the American motherhood, the responsibilities of women within the society moved to a higher level such as participating in political and social order of the republic. The idea also signified that the male-dominated society was beginning to recognize and respect the intellectual capability of women.
During and after the American Revolution, the political philosophy was laid on the idea that the future of the republic relied on virtues of the Americans. Thus women were expected to instill their children with values conducive to the development of a healthy society. It is during this period that the marital relationship between a husband and a wife began changing to love and affection rather than obedience and subservience. Furthermore, the efforts by women in the war were evident as they become the breadwinners of their families when the husbands are away. For instance, Abigail Adams worked hard to raise her six children while her husband was away and continually reminded them the importance of virtues to the republic (Wills 24).

By contrast, the Republican mother laid the destiny of the gender ideal of our time. Women in the current society have other roles to play other than being a housewife and perform domestic duties. The society has accepted female participation in almost all the field, and the prejudice gap has reduced significantly. Their intelligence and personality to protect the family have taken a broader perspective of protecting the country as well.

Work Cited
Top of Form
Wills, Garry. Henry Adams and the Making of America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2007. Print.
Bottom of Form