HIST-2010 - U.S. To 1877 UNIT 3

Seneca Falls Declaration

The Seneca Falls Declaration of sentiments of 1848, was aimed at addressing issues facing women in society. Its grounds were laid on the platform of the equity of both men and women before God’s eyes. The sentiments aired out during this conference were aimed at advocating for the fair and equal treatment of women by men. It was meant to align rights of happiness, life, and liberty between men and women. Its ultimate focus on historical injustices, usurpations and absolute tyranny of men over women were the main focus of the conference (Sourcebook, 2012).

Relating to the real definition of grievances which relates to the real or imagined cause of complaint for unfair treatment. Despite the fact that The Seneca Falls Conference was useful in promoting equal treatment between men and women, I find some of the grievances least grievances. These grievances are as follows:

‘He has made her, morally, an irresponsible being, as she can commit many crimes with impunity, provided they be done in the presence of her husband. In the covenant of marriage, she is compelled to promise obedience to her husband, he becoming, to all intents and purposes, her master--the law giving him the power to deprive her of her liberty, and to administer chastisement.’ Summary This paragraph. You copied and pasted from the reading assignment

I consider this grievance to be of least concern because its sentiments do not focus on the true aspect of marriage that has been practiced since time memorial. The claims of men becoming masters and women being compelled to promise obedience don't purport the real ideal of marriage back then. Marriage is founded on the basis of promises from both sides. The same way women made promises to their husbands, husbands also made promises to their wives. As the women had duties to oblige to, men also had their duties to play. These included promises of loyalty and catering of family needs. Trying to make marriage look like a one-sided affair is not a good vice since it cuts across all gender and requires commitment from both sides. Therefore, the claims of men depriving women of their liberty are not true thus it does not qualify a major grievance.

‘After depriving her of all rights as a married woman, if single, and the owner of property, he has taxed her to support a government which recognizes her only when her property can be made profitable to it.’ Summary This paragraph. You copied and pasted from the reading assignment

The issue of taxes and properties cuts across all gender. Paying taxes to the government is the duty of all property owners regardless of their gender. During this time, most properties and businesses were owned by men and their paid taxes to the government. Taxation of all property owners is fair whether male or female. Therefore, this grievance was less grievous because it placed them at the same duty as a man thus making them look equal.

‘He allows her in church, as well as state, but a subordinate position, claiming apostolic authority for her exclusion from the ministry, and, with some exceptions, from any public participation in the affairs of the church.’ Summary This paragraph. You copied and pasted from the reading assignment

I consider this third grievance to of less importance since contrary to its opinion, religious places have been known to advocate for equity between men and women. Guided by the principles of equality before God’s eyes, women were not real placed into subordinate positions. Although in some instance women were excluded from ministry projects, it was not as bad as the grievance puts it. In fact, the church has been known over a long period to be a place for women to seek refuge and guidance.

The above information offers and in-depth analysis of the least grievous sentiments aired out during the conference and provided accompanying reasons as to why they are considered less grievous.