The Upper and Middle Classes
Where Did The Middle Class Come From?
Society changed a lot during the Victorian period. Before, there was an upper class and a working class. However, the industrial revolution brought the opportunity to make money.
Factories
As more and more factories were built, working class men could work their way up the ladder and eventually manage their own factories. For some people, this made them a lot of money.
Those who made money from industry were plucked out of poverty. They were no longer part of the working class. However, they didn't fit into the upper class, who were mostly aristocracy, either. They became their own group, the middle class.
The creation of the middle class bridged the huge gap between the upper and working classes. Even though some middle class factory owners were richer than members of the aristocracy were, they were still viewed as beneath them.
Class, then, wasn't just about money. It was also about your background and your beliefs.
Upper And Middle Class Family Life
Every family member had a certain role in the Victorian family. They are listed below in the order of the family hierarchy.
Father: He was the head of the household and to be obeyed at all times. His children always had to be polite to him, some called their fathers 'sir'. He would usually have a study where he could find some peace and quiet.
Mother: She would leave tasks like washing and cooking to the servants. Instead, the mother would spend her time visiting friends, planning parties and going to dressmakers.
Children: They would rarely see their parents. The mother and father would pay a nanny to take care of them instead. She was responsible for their behaviour. Sometimes the parents would teach their children how to read and write. Other families hired a governess or sent their children away to school.
Servants: They were responsible for the day-to-day running of the house.
Children were raised in a very strict manner. The phrases 'children should be seen and not heard' and 'spare the rod, spoil the child' were popular in the Victorian period.
Just like their parents, children had different futures depending on their gender. The boys would be educated then would be expected to work. The girls would stay at home and try to marry as soon as possible.
Entertainment
The weekends were a good opportunity for the family to spend time together. They might visit a park or go to a museum for fun. Older members of the family might go to concerts or plays.
Family members each had their separate activities. Upper class women would often be involved in charities or committees. With other women, they would help organise events to raise money for certain causes, such as a local hospital.
Music was a big part of Victorian life. Children were often taught how to play musical instruments and this provided a large part of their home entertainment.
Other great pages to visit in " Lifestyle " are:
Child Labour, Clothes, Life For Lower Class Victorians, Victorian furnishing, Kew Gardens, Kids playing, Schools, Houses in Victorian Britain, 
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