Candle Ornaments pg. 131 of The Girl's Own Book |
Mouse Trap pg. 107-108 of The Boy's Own Book |
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In 19th century America, there was a strong association of girlhood with domestic caretaking [2]. Even in leisurely activities, girls were expected to create products for domestic use. Girls were taught to gain pleasure from creating crafts, not from pursuing fantasies[2].
Boy's crafts, in contrast, were meant to fulfill their own needs, not those of the household. Boys were supposed to be free of adult concerns [2]. Boys in 19th century America were expected to express their aggression through activities such as creature trapping [4]. |
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