Question

Read the following passage from Catherine Beecher's A Treatise on Domestic Economy before you choose your answer. "It appears, then, that it is in America alone that women are raised to equality with the other sex; and that, both in theory and practice, their interests are regarded as of equal value. They are made subordinate in station [inferior in status] only where a regard [concern] to their best interests demands it, while, as if in compensation for this, by custom and courtesy they are always treated as superiors. Universally in this country, through every class of society, precedence is given to woman in all the comforts, conveniences, and courtesies of life. In civil and political affairs, American women take no interest or concern, except so far as they sympathize with their family and personal friends; but, in all cases in which they do feel a concern, their opinions and feelings have a consideration equal or even superior to that of the other sex." Which claim statement best describes the author's position on women's suffrage?

Answer 1

There are no options provided with this answer. However, we can still try to understand how to best describe the author's position on women's suffrage.

First of all, the author seems to believe that the spheres and topics that interest women and men are very different from each other. She argues that women have no opinions or interest when it comes to topics such as politics and civics. She suggests that women's interests life in more domestic affairs. Therefore, it is likely she believes female suffrage to be pointless.

Moreover, the author also seems to believe that women have no use for suffrage because their position is already excellent within society. She argues that women are equal to men, and even superior sometimes, in all social matters. Therefore, she most likely believes that there is no room for improvement.