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Images and reality of fatherhood : a case study of Montreal's Protestant middle class, 1870-1914

This dissertation examines the images and reality of fatherhood, between 1870 and 1914, using a case study of Montreal's middle class, and specifically the English speaking, Protestant community. An examination of reform literature, custody decisions, and fiction suggest that providing for his family's material needs was a father's first duty. Fatherhood was also invested with authority and power. Yet, the sentimental family ideal entrusted the mother with the emotional elements of child-rearing. Many fathers appear to have created nurturing relationships with their children, despite the emotionally restrictive social images, and society's emphasis on the importance of motherhood.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:QMM.39271
Date January 1991
CreatorsFish, Cynthia S.
PublisherMcGill University
Source SetsLibrary and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation
Formatapplication/pdf
CoverageDoctor of Philosophy (Department of History.)
RightsAll items in eScholarship@McGill are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated.
Relationalephsysno: 001254850, proquestno: NN72159, Theses scanned by UMI/ProQuest.

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