Geography of Love
Heart "maps" contrast gender norms in two eras
Geographical Guides to a Man's and Woman's Heart - Designed by Jo Lowrey (January 1960 / McCall’s Magazine), the world of each heart is divided into lands, states, territories and countries. Modern viewers will no doubt notice that each heart is deeply entrenched in the stringent (and stereotypical) heteronormative gender roles of mid-20th century middle-class America.
Men are “big operators” with independent streaks, a desire to garner wealth, and a propensity for a good time before settling in the state of solid comfort.
Women are lovers of love and conversation and frivolity, with the ability to spend a brief time in party girl province before traversing the “River of the Good Homemaker” before settling in “Mother Country.”
Each heart has avenues, gates, and causeways lining its edges, a multitude of entrances to facilitate the joining of hearts. ~ Osher Map Library
These maps derive from two Victorian images, attributed to "A Lady" and published by the Kellogg Brothers of Connecticut in the 1830s
The Fortified Country of Man’s Heart is portrayed as a citadel, bristling with defenses intended to ward off attack. The outer redoubt is the Dread of Matrimony; at the center is the Citadel of Self Love.
Much of the country appears inhospitable to romance, with such regions as the Land of Love of Power, the Land of Love of Money, the Land of Love of Ease, and the Land of Love of Economy. The Land of Romance occupies only one small corner of Man’s Heart.
A Map of the Open Country of Woman’s Heart shows canals, rivers, roads, and a railroad connecting the Country of Eligibleness with the City and District of Love.
Coquetry, Caprice, and Selfishness lead to the Land of Oblivion. Love of Dress and Love of Display lead to Old Man’s Darling Bay on the Sea of Wealth. And Good Sense, Discrimination, Patience, Hope, and Enthusiasm are the way to the Country of Solid Worth.
More on gender norms through the ages …
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Men could probably find the River of True Love and State of Solid Comfort if they would just stop and ask for directions.
Good idea!