The Edwardian era (1901-1910) was characterized by a period of great social change in Britain. The middle class was expanding rapidly, and with this growth came a set of social norms and etiquette that governed its behavior. At the heart of Edwardian middle-class etiquette was the concept of respectability. Respectability was a code of conduct that governed how one should behave in public and was deeply ingrained in the middle class. The key values of respectability were self-control, decorum, and propriety.

Middle class social etiquette placed a great emphasis on good behavior in public. Public displays of affection were frowned upon, and it was considered inappropriate to raise one's voice or use foul language in public. Good manners were expected at all times.

One of the most important aspects of middle-class social etiquette was the concept of class consciousness. The middle class was acutely aware of their social status, and it was important to maintain the boundaries between different classes. There were strict rules about who people could socialize with and where they could go. It was considered inappropriate for the middle class to socialize with the working class, for example.

At the same time, gender inequality was not only a reality but an expectation.