An ideology of the upper and middle classes during the nineteenth century which perpetuated the domestic sphere of women and determined their place as the homemaker. It has deep roots in Christian ideology and the affirmation of Christian ideals. There are four cardinal virtues equated to The Cult of True Womanhood:
1. Piety: perpetuating religious standards; women are understood to be more religious than men.
2. Purity: virginal; pure in all aspects of life.
3. Submission: a women is to comply with her husband's rules and desires; to obey the male of the house.
4. Domesticity: women's domain is in the home, outside of the public sphere. The women was responsible for making the home a "haven" as well as having responsibility for raising the children.
The Cult of True Womanhood is also related to the "Angel of the Home" in regards to its religious overtones and motifs.
1. Piety: perpetuating religious standards; women are understood to be more religious than men.
2. Purity: virginal; pure in all aspects of life.
3. Submission: a women is to comply with her husband's rules and desires; to obey the male of the house.
4. Domesticity: women's domain is in the home, outside of the public sphere. The women was responsible for making the home a "haven" as well as having responsibility for raising the children.
The Cult of True Womanhood is also related to the "Angel of the Home" in regards to its religious overtones and motifs.