This further exemplifies the stereotype that men are seen as the women's protectors as they are considered somewhat frail and susceptible. Atticus states "Miss. Maudie can't serve on a jury because she's a woman ", which further proves the males lack of trust and dominance of the female abilities during this time period.
Secondly, the behaviour of many of the women of Maycomb can be described as stereotypical of this setting and time period. Women are seen as the gentile, feminine and delicate gender who is expected to behave and act in a respectful but somewhat dictated manner. The majority of the women work within the home completing tasks such as cooking, cleaning, sewing, and tending to the children. Despite the women's hard work or stressful lives, they are always expected to look and act sweet, appealing and presentable. For example, after receiving the news about Tom Robinson's death Scout states "after all, if Aunty (Alexandra) could be a lady at a time like this, so could I."" This shows that upon hearing this devastating news, Aunt Alexandra exemplified for Scout a composed image of a lady. She makes it clear by fixing her attire that the women must put their best foot forward, compose themselves and carry on in the stereotypical "ladylike" manner". At this moment, even Scout chooses to give into this stereotypical behaviour and behave as a cultured woman would. As well, a woman's class and appearance was shown to have determined her value among the society of Maycomb. Mrs. Dubose tells Scout "you should be in a dress and a camisole young lady. You'll grow up waiting on tables."" Scout's attire in this particular incident defied the stereotype of the female wardrobe. All females were expected to wear a skirt or a dress, two symbols of definite femininity and composure. Also, this quote shows how women were expected to end up in low class, menial jobs that were of lesser importance than the male's occupations.