A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

Which gender ideology idealized domestic roles and maternal responsibilities?

1. Companionate marriage

2. The "cult of true womanhood"

3. Patriarchy

4. Social Darwinism

The correct answer is: The "cult of true womanhood"

The idealization of domestic roles and maternal responsibilities is best captured by the "cult of true womanhood." This ideology emerged prominently in the 19th century and emphasized virtues associated with women's roles in the home, such as piety, purity, and submissiveness. Women were often viewed as the heart of the household, tasked with nurturing children and maintaining the moral fabric of society. This perspective reinforced traditional gender roles and promoted the belief that a woman's place was in the domestic sphere, focusing on her responsibilities as a wife and mother, and often sidelining her potential contributions outside the home. In contrast, companionate marriage centers on the partnership and companionship between spouses, suggesting a more equal sharing of roles and responsibilities, which doesn’t align with the strict domesticity of the cult of true womanhood. Patriarchy refers to a broader societal structure where men hold primary power and authority, but it does not specifically idealize the domestic roles of women in the same way. Social Darwinism applies biological concepts of natural selection to social issues, and while it might have implications for gender roles, it doesn't explicitly idealize domesticity or maternal responsibilities in the way the cult of true womanhood does.