Social Hierarchy In Victorian England

In the history of the United Kingdom, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria 's reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. Defined according to emotional response and political concerns, the period is sometimes considered to begin with the passage of the Reform Act 1832. The period is characterized as one of relative peace among the great powers, increased economic activity, "refined sensibilities" and national self-confidence for Great Britain. The Victorian era witnessed resistance to the rationalism that defined the Georgian period and an increasing turn towards romanticism and mysticism regarding religion, social values, and arts. In international relations, the supremacy of the Royal Navy helped maintain a

Birth rights to land or titles and passing on those titles to heirs was a very important way for wealthier families to keep their fortunes amongst themselves. Nobility took immense pride in their titles as something that earned them respect. Having people give that recognition was something that needed and gave validity to their status. No member of the family had ever had to work for their titles, many were born into them. They never did anything for themselves as well. Maids and butlers kept the house and did basic grooming for the female family members. The house maids and butlers were considered the lower class. These were people who would migrate to the towns after the industrial revolution. Simpler farmers were now cooks, drivers and housekeepers. There was even a hierarchy amongst the lower class as well. Some of the butlers and maids were given greater titles to look over the daily affairs of the house but were not considered the middle class. The middle class was made up of the doctors and lawyers or other professionals who sought out new opportunities and advances. These are the groups of people who brought forth the newer ideas and advanced technologies and embraced them more easily than the upper, older nobility. They were not accustomed to being waited on and being taken care of like the upper class. Although the middle class were considered the working class

Change was looked at as a sign of trouble and chaos and not very noble. Roles were set and were expected to be followed, no one was to question how things were done. Behaviors and thoughts were to be modest and well-mannered, never boastful or extravagant. As times were shifting and innovative ideas coming to light, resistance was becoming more apparent for the older generations. Modern ideas and forward movements sent nervous ripples throughout communities and met with extreme fear. Fear of the unknown and fear of another war being waged were real concerns for people. The younger generations were more accepting of changing ways and innovative ideas. The idea of having a changing world brought joy and excitement to them and were able to open newer outlets and interests. These movements gave a new found hope to the people who were never able to experience anything other than a life of servitude. Educational pursuits were now becoming available for people who never could have envisioned themselves attending school. Relationships moved past arranged marriages in favor of actual physical attraction, being able to marry because you were in love rather than marrying to keep wealth and status within a certain family. As with any changing of times resistance is to be expected, once more and more people were