Literature
The Core Values of the Victorian Era: Progress, Civilization, and Family
The Core Values of the Victorian Era: Progress, Civilization, and Family
The Victorian era, spanning from 1837 to 1901, was a period of significant social and cultural transformation. During this time, British values and ideals evolved profoundly, reflecting a strong belief in progress, civilization, and the importance of the family. This article delves into these core values and their influence on society during the Victorian period.
Belief in Steady Progress Toward Higher Civilization
The Victorian era was marked by a strong embrace of progress as a means to achieve higher levels of civilization. This belief was driven by the transformative power of science, industry, and technology. Innovations in transportation, such as the steam engine and the railroad, enabled rapid travel, connecting distant regions and fostering economic growth. The development of new printing technologies made literature and knowledge more accessible to the public, contributing to a growing interest in education and self-improvement.
Progress and Industrialization
Industrialization was a cornerstone of Victorian progress. Factories and workshops sprang up across the country, creating a robust manufacturing sector. This rapid industrial growth led to significant improvements in living standards, as evidenced by the expansion of urban areas and the rise of middle-class wealth. However, it also created challenges such as poor working conditions and child labor. The rise of labor unions and social reform movements during this period reflects the society's growing awareness of the need for improved social conditions.
Spreading Values to Improve Lives in Less-Developed Cultures
Another significant value of the Victorian era was the belief in spreading British values and improving the lives of less-developed cultures in exchange for their resources and labor. This imperialistic approach was justified by the belief that it would lead to the betterment of all involved. Colonization efforts led to the exploitation of resources in the global South, often at the expense of indigenous populations. This period saw the emergence of a belief in civilizing missions, where the British aimed to transform "backward" cultures into more advanced, Westernized societies.
Forced Labor and Exploitation
Colonial policies often involved the forced recruitment of labor from local populations to work in mines, plantations, and other industries. This practice, known as indentured servitude, was common in regions like India and the Caribbean. While some viewed the spread of British values as a noble endeavor, others saw it as a means of maintaining economic and political dominance. The laissez-faire attitude towards colonial governance and the belief in the civilizing mission often led to resistance and conflict, as local populations pushed back against foreign rule.
The Family as the Core Unit of Civilization
The Victorian era placed great emphasis on the family as the central unit of society. Familial structures and roles were strictly defined and highly influential. Women were expected to be virtuous, modest, and devoted to their families, while men were viewed as the protectors and providers. The concept of the "nuclear family" emerged, emphasizing the importance of a two-parent household where children could grow up in a stable environment.
Family Values and Social Norms
Familial values were not only expressed in the nuclear family but also in the broader community. Social norms and customs dictated proper behavior, with strict etiquette and manners being essential. The ideal Victorian family idealized domesticity and social order, with family members encouraged to conform to these norms by Victorian literature, newspapers, and magazines. This emphasis on family values also extended to public institutions such as schools, which aimed to reinforce these ideals.
Conclusion
The Victorian era was characterized by a myriad of values that drove social, economic, and cultural transformations. The belief in progress, the spread of British values, and the importance of the family were three key values that shaped the era. While the pursuit of progress and the spread of civilization led to significant advancements, they also came with unintended consequences such as exploitation and resistance. The Victorian family values provided a framework for societal stability and order, but they also dictated rigid roles and expectations.
References
Armstrong, J. W. (2006). To the End of Slavery: Abolition and Empire in the British Caribbean. Palgrave Macmillan.
Bowden, P. W. (2000). Victorian Childhoods and Cultures. Routledge.
Richards, E. J. (1989). Slaves, Spoil, and Sovereignty: Britain, the Wijlayui, and Precolonial Nigeria. Cambridge University Press.