The Intersection of Class and Feminism: Women’s Roles in Austen’s Conservative Society

Abstract

This paper examines the intricate intersection of class and feminism in Jane Austen’s novels, where women’s roles are largely defined by the rigid social hierarchies of early 19th-century England. Although Austen’s works are often regarded as conservative in their setting, her nuanced depictions of female characters reflect a subtle critique of the societal constraints placed upon women, particularly in terms of marriage, education, and economic independence. By analysing characters such as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, Fanny Price in Mansfield Park, and Emma Woodhouse in Emma, this study highlights how Austen contrasts the experiences of women from different social classes, showing how class distinctions influence their agency and personal choices. While wealthier women like Emma Woodhouse possess a degree of autonomy, they are not immune to the pressures of societal expectations, whereas lower-class characters like Fanny Price must rely on moral integrity and resilience in their quest for recognition and self-worth.

Through a feminist lens, this paper investigates how Austen’s heroines navigate the boundaries of class to assert their identities and resist subjugation, whether by seeking equality in marriage, as seen in the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, or by quietly asserting moral superiority, as embodied by Fanny Price. Austen’s critique of the limitations imposed on women of different classes reveals her proto-feminist ideals, emphasizing the need for education, personal integrity, and economic independence as pathways to female empowerment. This study ultimately argues that Austen’s treatment of class and gender challenges the entrenched norms of her society, offering a radical vision for women’s roles within a patriarchal and classist framework. In doing so, Austen’s work remains a critical reflection on the intersection of feminism and social justice, resonating with modern feminist discourse.