A Domestic Problem - Work and Culture in the Household

by Abby Morton Diaz

Abby Morton Diaz was a teacher at Brook Farm (1843-47) and, much later, a founder of the Women's Educational and Industrial Union of Boston. She was an organizer in the Woman's Clubs movement. Diaz was among the 19th century anti-vivisection activists. She was also among the early organizers of the movement sometimes called New Thought, which organized as the Metaphysical Club of Boston. Her religious association was Unitarian. Abby Morton Diaz was also known as a writer on a variety of topics, including women's rights and children's stories. Her writings appeared in The Atlantic Monthly and New England Magazine and other publications. Diaz also widely lectured on women's rights including woman suffrage." Written in 1895 A Domestic Work and Culture in the Household tackles the problem women have faced for decades. How can a woman balance running a household with learning about and enjoying culture. It is amazing how modern this book from over 100 years ago is and how it proves the point that the more things change the more they stay the same.

72 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 1895

About the author

from Library of Congress website
Diaz, A. M. (Abby Morton), 1821-1904
Diaz, Abby M. (Abby Morton), 1821-1904
Diaz, Anna M. (Anna Morton), 1821-1904

Reviews

[JQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

So the book pretty much states that women have the amazing superpower to change the world (I already knew this)and should be given culture and leisure as it will help them in their duties. I'm down with that.

It also touches on the lack of useful education given to women. I wouldn't have agreed on quite a few of these passages 15 years ago, but after becoming a mother, I wish I had studied more of the topics mentioned. Motherhood is a beast at times and it would have been nice to have been better prepared. But really, the world I live in and the internet compensate for much of my lack of knowledge. Still, this book has changed the way I plan on raising both my son and daughter.

It also gave quite a bit of insight into what life was like for women in the early 1900s. Very interesting. Even though a lot of things have changed since then (Thankfully!) the content is surprisingly relevant to today.