Question

Which statement describes Victorian gender expectations for women best? The Victorian woman was the head of the household. The Victorian woman moved freely in the “public sphere.” The Victorian woman existed mostly in the “private sphere.” The Victorian woman was the breadwinner for the family.

Answer 1

"The Victorian woman existed mostly in the “private sphere.” is the best option from the list since this was mostly the case during this time, however there were exceptions. 

Answer 2

The correct answer is: The Victorian woman existed mostly in the “private sphere.”

In the Victorian era (19th Century), women were considered inferior and subordinate to men, the latter of which were seen as breadwinners who supported their families. In the Victorian era, women "belonged" in the household, and their roles involved childcare, cooking, cleaning, and emotionally supporting their husband and children. Thus, it can be said that the Victorian woman existed mostly in the “private sphere.”