Aurica Stan, „Deznădăjduita muieren-au fost ca mine“. Femei, onoareși păcat în Valahia secolului alXIX-lea
„There was never such a despaired women like me!” Women, honor, and sins in 19th century Wallachia
The book titled „There was never such a despaired women like me!” Women, honor, and sins in 19th century Wallachia is focused around Romanian women as they assumed social roles both in the public and private area in 19th century Wallachia. This type of project represents a sort of general inventory of Romanian women active in the 19th century, taking into account social pressures, women’s family responsibilities, women portraits, women traditions, while also observing the legislative frame of that period in what regards women issues. Religion is also an important issue in understanding the feminine figures of that period. The tradition of total female submission persisted in 19th century Valachia, with few exceptions. On the surface, Valachian women often appear docile, submissive, and deferential to the wishes of their husbands and in-laws. Observed more profoundly, this situation also shows unexpected complexities, generated by the unorthodox behaviour of what the ages used to call „sinful women”.
Keywords: 19th century Wallachia, the condition of women, the status of women, women’s equality, feminism
