A Cultural History of the Home in the Age of Empire

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During the 19th century, the concept of home became increasingly significant in the Western world, shaped by imperial expansion, industrialization, and commercialization. These transformations altered both the locations and the practices of homemaking. Advances in science and mass production introduced new domestic technologies and goods, further changing the material aspects of homes. This volume examines the global imagination and practice of homes during this period. The establishment of Western European homes in newly acquired territories reinforced a perception of cultural superiority among Europeans, who viewed themselves as guardians of patriarchal values and lifestyles. A shared cultural ideal of home emerged, particularly among the urban middle class, depicting it as a sanctuary from the chaos of industrial life. Gender roles were crucial to this ideal, emphasizing the male breadwinner and the female's role in maintaining the domestic sphere. While these notions circulated widely through print culture in Western Europe and North America, their realization varied significantly based on class and race, leading to diverse homemaking practices. By highlighting these cultural dynamics, the book reveals the multifaceted experiences of home life in the 19th century.