I need help with finding how the "new single woman" in the city was portrayed through the media in the 1800's?

Question

I am doing a report on The Mysterious Death of Mary Rogers, by Amy Srebnick.. and some of the questions are.. In this period of evolving urban culture, what constructions are offered for masculinity and femininity? In other words, what does society project as a "male image" or "female image?" Does this differ according to class? How is the perception of the "new single woman" in the city portrayed through the media? This takes place around 1841-1845..

Answer 1

We're not going to do your homework for you. I will help you find out for yourself though.

There were a few newspapers in NYC back then. You'll have to read through archives with your questions in mind.

Back then, newspapers sold more copies if they could help their readers feel superior to victims like Mary.

Also there was no outlet for emotional thrill or sexual tension, so newspapers were aware they could sell more copies by appealing to these needs.
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Answer 2

Try using the Harper's Bazaar magazine or the Godey's Lady's Book. These are women's magazines from the 1800s. You could try going to your local library and see if you could get some microfilms for them or there are websites dedicated to them that offer some good information and even some archives.