Societal expectations

Definition

Societal expectations refer to the norms and standards established by a community or culture that dictate how individuals should behave, dress, and interact based on their roles within society. These expectations can shape personal identity and influence choices, often resulting in pressure to conform to certain behaviors and lifestyles that are deemed acceptable or desirable.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'The Coquette', societal expectations heavily influence the protagonist's choices, particularly in her relationships and personal autonomy.
2. The novel showcases the conflict between individual desires and the pressures to conform to traditional feminine roles during the late 18th century.
3. Characters in 'The Coquette' experience significant repercussions for failing to adhere to societal norms, illustrating the harsh judgments of their community.
4. Hannah Webster Foster uses the character of Eliza to critique societal expectations surrounding women's behavior and the limited options available to them.
5. The narrative ultimately highlights how adherence to societal expectations can lead to both social acceptance and personal tragedy.

Review Questions

• How do societal expectations shape Eliza's decisions in 'The Coquette'?
  • Societal expectations profoundly shape Eliza's decisions throughout 'The Coquette'. As a woman in a society that values marriage and conformity, Eliza grapples with her desires for independence while facing immense pressure to secure a suitable marriage. Her choices reflect the struggle between adhering to societal norms and seeking personal fulfillment, ultimately leading her down a path filled with conflict and consequence.
• What role do societal expectations play in the relationships depicted in 'The Coquette'?
  • In 'The Coquette', societal expectations serve as a critical backdrop for the relationships between characters. Eliza's interactions with men are often influenced by the expectations of propriety and decorum dictated by society. The pressure to conform leads to misunderstandings and conflicts, revealing how rigid norms can distort genuine connections and affect individuals' lives in profound ways.
• Evaluate how Hannah Webster Foster critiques societal expectations through her portrayal of female characters in 'The Coquette'.
  • Hannah Webster Foster critiques societal expectations by illustrating the limited agency afforded to her female characters. Through Eliza's story, Foster exposes the dangers of conforming to rigid gender norms that prioritize marriage over personal happiness. The consequences faced by Eliza as she navigates societal pressures reflect Foster's commentary on the systemic constraints imposed on women, urging readers to reconsider the impact of such expectations on individual lives and identities.

Related terms

Gender Roles: The set of societal norms that dictate the behaviors, tasks, and responsibilities expected of individuals based on their gender.

Cultural Norms: The shared guidelines or rules that govern behavior in a specific culture, influencing how individuals interact and relate to one another.

Social Conformity: The act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms, which can be driven by the desire to fit in or be accepted by others.