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I believe that the three most important facts about 19th century Norway was firstly the economic boom which lasted until around 1875. This economic boom brought a lot of individuals into the upper class and paved a way for benefits. The reason for this economic boom was “[due to] success in foreign trade, mining and growth in agricultural productivity” as well as the industrial revolution which swept Europe during the 1840s onwards (Background of a Doll’s House.) As well as an increase in the economy, society’s viewpoint on the upper class was also a major influencer. This led to a form of competitiveness and pressure to meet demands which were attributed by religion and beliefs, and highly affected the woman of this time period “A woman’s main responsibility centred around being a housewife, whose most prominent task was to serve her husband and children (Hagemann 417-419)” (Background of a Doll’s House.) Furthermore, the focus on marriage and sexuality was very much taboo, there was an implemented belief that relationships must be monogamous and intercourse before marriage was strictly prohibited due to society’s norms. Which is why the lower classes were shunned for having children without being married even if there was no choice.

I believe the concept of respectability became more important as the middle class expanded because it was a way to provide a clear division between the upper and lower classes. The upper class takes pride in being seen as pure, “clean” and it is easier for them to follow through with being perceived as proper if they are receiving a stable income and more.