Although the reformatories stressed the importance of a formal and domestic education, over time, the latter came to dominate the experience of girls in reformatories, in part due to the contextual and complicated meanings that domestic work took on. In general, domestic work was socially stigmatized and a marker of lower social standing, however maintaining skills was seen as essential for white women within the “domestic sphere,” justifying its inclusion in the reformatory “curriculum” for girls. However, the parole system placed girls and women in domestic service jobs–a much-needed fill-in as more women were leaving the industry and demand for the service was increasing. This meant that people exiting reformatories were increasingly stigmatized and locked-in domestic service positions.

That said, within the walls of the reformatory, domestic work became another way of enforcing a standard of womanhoood, as well as a gendered idea of productivity.

 

Questions

What do you notice about the people in the image – about their gaze at the camera, the work being done?

What do you notice about the interior of the cottage? How does it reinforce/push back on what you thought based on the earlier image of cottage exteriors?