How were men and women differentiated on the basis of clothing in Victorian England? Explain with examples.
Women in Victorian England were groomed from childhood to be docile and dutiful, submissive and obedient. The ideal women was one who could bear pain and suffering.
Norms of clothing reflected these ideals. From childhood, girls were tightly laced up and dressed in stays! Slightly older girls had to wear tight fitting corsets. Tightly laced and small waisted women were admired.
While men were expected to be serious, strong, independent and aggressive, norms of their reflected these ideals.