Feminists movements of the late 19th century were largely driven by the lack of autonomy women had within and outside of marriage. During this time period, women’s worth was dictated by their marital status because otherwise, women held no social or political capital. There was an explicit expectation of all women to find a suitable husband, transferring power from their fathers to their husbands. Women’s role within the marriage was relegated to the private sphere, where they were expected to embody the still prevalent archetype of Madonna (Virgin Mary). The ideal woman was supposed to submit to her husband, be passive, and quiet. Women who did not marry were labeled spinsters with no purpose in life and no place in society. 

Within marriage, women held little to no legal rights and were left at the mercy of their husbands. One of Frances Power Cobbe’s main feminist issues was the inability of women to exercise the right to divorce their husbands. Men had the right to divorce and were automatically given custody of the children, leaving women with no avenue to protest. However, women even in the case of domestic violence or adultery lacked the legal capital to leave their husbands. Feminists during this time worked towards establishing female autonomy in both the public and private spheres, fighting for education, suffrage, and marital rights. This time period is defined by women’s suffrage movements around the world, arguing for women’s voices to be heard. Feminists often argued for more rights by appealing to the institution of marriage, claiming that access to education and the ability to exercise basic rights would make them better companions and wives for men.

Read more below about the institution of marriage during the 19th century and the relation the the feminist movement below. Then continue on to Divorce Standards and Legislative Work to learn about the work that Cobbe did in advocating for women victim to domestic violence in relation to divorce.