Then and Now

By Lori Friesen

Women in the early 1800’s were similar to women today because some had paid jobs and had their own businesses. Women back then however, were solely responsible for taking care of the home and raising children.

In contrast, today men and women usually share this responsibility. Women in the 1800’s could not vote. On the other hand, women can now legally cast a ballot.

Men in the 1800’s were mostly responsible for the work outside of the home. Jobs like doctors and lawyers could only be done by men. In contrast, today women can do any job a man can do.

In addition, men were the only gender allowed to own land in the 1800’s, unlike now, where women can also own property.

Children in the 1800’s were the same as children today because they went to school and played with their friends.

They were different because some children had jobs and gave all their money back to the family. Today it’s illegal for children to work under the age of fourteen.