Read this blog post.
What do you believe to be the three most important facts about 19th century Norway?
Norway “only became an independent state in 1814,” and because of this experienced an increase in the middle class due to industrialisation, which caused an economic boom. (Cron, Theater 271). The middle class societal values were very important in keeping up appearances known “as bourgeois respectability.” (Cron, Theater 271) This included, “good morals (or at least making it appear that’s the case), and a stable, patriarchal family.”(Cron, Theater 271) During this time Norway had a very patriarcal structure.
Why do you think the concept of respectability became more important as the middle class expanded?
As the middle class expanded I think that being respected became increasingly more important to be respected. I think that this is due for the fear of being looked down on or being the ‘lower’ of the middle class. To be respected in the society at that time proved that you were successful in all aspects of life, or at least appeared to be. To appear to be successful would potentially mean that they could further themselves in society.
