Shattering Gender Roles: Women in the Circus
As circus goers watched the array of performers, they witnessed various powerful renditions of female beauty, strength, vulnerability, humor, sexuality, and ugliness; each type of performance conveyed its own meaning and offered its own vision of what women were capable of achieving. 1
The Gilded Age brought forth many changes in American society, from the expansion of the railroad system and rapid growth in the west to political issues like the temperance movement and prohibition, immigration laws, and the suffrage movement. Exploration of the world was ever increasing and there were great advances in science, medicine, technology, and media. However, while some areas of American society were taking great steps forward, others were facing great resistance, including how women should be present and involved in society. 2
Courageous, daring, strong, and capable. These are words that would not typically be used to describe women in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. On the contrary, societal standards trended towards the exact opposite regarding the view of the ‘ideal woman’. Dress was always supposed to be formal, polite, and conservative, with long skirts and dresses being the standard. Women were not encouraged to join the workforce (with exceptions made for ‘acceptable work’), society believing that their place was within the domestic home.3 Their demeanor should be polite, feminine, and quiet, not showing too much emotion or sharing too many opinions.
Circus women were in direct contrast to this narrative. Despite the barriers placed on them, as the new era was ushered in women began advocating for their right to work. “The expansion in female employment in the circus reflected a national trend as the number of women in the workplace more than doubled from 1870 to 1910.” 4 Women had existed in the circus prior to this time, but they were much less prevalent and much less accepted by the general public. Certain states even prevented circus women from performing due to state laws. In the face of these laws, the advice of the media, and what society deemed as ‘appropriate work’, the women of the circus were a visible representation and celebration of female power, making their voices heard and their contributions to society known.
This chapter will focus on the women who made their own seat at the table; women who faced exploitation and social rejection daily yet were some of the most celebrated of their time. By making a living for themselves and choosing to be visible, they became advocates for working, successful women and a force for change.
Author’s Statement: Much of the language used in the Circus Route Books collection and other primary sources is outdated, sexist, racist, and offensive to many people groups. The use of these terms within this chapter is in no way meant to harm others, and appropriate terminology is used whenever possible.