Southern Belle is a subculture common in the American South which is associated with upper class women.
History
The Southern Belle came about in the mid-19th century among the Southern planation class. These women were the daughters of wealthy landowners who lived lives of leisure due to the fact that their families owned slaves. When they grew up, they married other wealthy landowners, forming a network of families with shared values who controlled society and politics.
The American Civil War put an end to the Southern Belle - without slaves, the lifestyle could not continue. The cost of rebuilding plantations destroyed during the war was immense, due to economic inflation. Many families relocated to England, marrying into the British aristocracy and European nobility. Those that remained in the South struggled but clung to their roots - their family names.
The modern Southern Belle might have her own career, but domestic skills like cooking and hosting parties are considered valuable ones. After marriage, she might quit her job to become a stay-at-home mother. She might distance herself from negative stereotypes by embracing Americana style Southern Pride rather than Confederacy style Southern Pride. There is some crossover with the Tradwife movement, evidenced in the desire to please her husband and reflect well on him.
Visuals
- Big, poofy dresses, hats, and parasols
- Large plantation houses
- Immense lawns
- Brightly colored flowers
- Peaches
- Cotton fields
Media
Literature
- "Désirée's Baby" by Kate Chopin
- Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Movies
- Gone with the Wind
- The Princess and the Frog
TV Shows
- Hart of Dixie