In the early nineteenth century, the doctrine of…
“In the early nineteenth century, the doctrine of self-sufficiency came to apply to families as well as individuals… The familybecame a special protected place, the repository of tender, pure, and generous feelings (embodied by the mother) and a bulwark and bastion against the raw, competitive, aggressive, and selfish world of commerce (embodied by the father)… In performing this protective task, the good family was to be as self-sufficient as the good man.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Family is portrayed as a sanctuary protecting tender emotions, while also being expected to be self-reliant against a harsh world.
In simple terms: Family is both a safe haven and a self-sufficiency test.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate mutual support while encouraging independence.
Themes
family
self-sufficiency
gender roles
societal expectations
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
sociological
reflective
When to use this quote
- parenting
- marriage counseling
- economic hardship
Key Concepts
sociology
family systems
cultural norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How can families stay supportive without becoming overly self-reliant?
- What roles should each gender play in modern families?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing self-sufficiency can ignore real needs for external help.