Women in the past.

"The many nameless charms and endearments of beauty should be reserved to bless the arms of the happy man to whom you give your heart" (John Gregory 13).

To women of the 18th century, being quiet, un-opinionated, and objectified was a normal, everyday thing. They were not given the freedom to dress, act or speak as they wanted, but were instead forced to conform themselves to society's idea of proper women.

Every aspect of their lives was in some way restricted.

Their clothing, while fashionable in their eyes, was made to the length an style desired by men. They had to be virtuous and modest.

The way they behaved both in private and public settings was also restricted. They learned they preferred ways for a woman to act in public as young girls, and were expected to conform to these rules as women.

"Wit is the most dangerous talent you can posses. Wit is so flattering to vanity, that they who possess it become intoxicated, and lose all self-command. Humor is a different quality. It may sometimes gain you applause, but will never procure you respect" (Gregory 10). 

Men were most definitely the dominant sex, as they protected and provided for the women. Their needs were of great import, an any woman failing to meet the needs of her husband was seen to have failed in her wifely duties.

While they were greatly oppressed, that doesn't mean the women of the 18th century weren't content with their lives. What we think of as their oppression, they saw as common rules made to help them procure and satisfy a husband. 

The real question, is how many of these restrictions have transferred into our society, even in subliminal ways?  

Works cited:

Gregory, John. A Father’s Legacy to His Daughters. 1774. Print.