The Home

It's Work and Influence

Suzanne ShellContributorCharlotte Perkins GilmanAuthor

The Home: Its Work and Influence by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a sociological study written in the early 20th century. The work explores the concept of the home, its evolution, and its significant impact on society, particularly focusing on the roles of men and women within the domestic sphere. Gilman seeks to address the challenges and problems associated with traditional home life and advocates for a reevaluation of its structure and functions to align with modern societal needs. At the start of the book, Gilman offers an introductory overview of the purpose of her study, outlining a critique of the conventional perception of the home as an unassailable institution. She emphasizes that while the home is traditionally linked to comfort and sanctuary, it often presents conditions that inhibit personal growth and societal progress. Through her analysis, she aims to highlight that the changes in home life, along with outdated roles assigned to women, can be detrimental, advocating instead for a transformation that encourages greater well-being and functionality for all individuals involved. (This is an automatically generated summary from Project Gutenberg)

a sepia-toned photographed portrait of Charlotte Perkins Gilman. She is wearing a dress with puffy shoulder fabric and a white collar. Her hair is dark and pulled back in a low bun. She is turned all the way to the right, so you only see her side profile. Photo Credit: Barry and Marble, San Francisco, 1895 from commons.wikimedia.org