Little Women defied the conventional expectations of women in 19th-century America. Marmee advises her daughters not to feel obligated to marry but to pursue personal satisfaction instead. In chapter 9, she tells Meg and Jo:

My dear girls, I am ambitious for you, but not for you to make a splash in the world—marry wealthy men just for their riches, or live in grand houses that lack love and warmth. . . . It is better to be content old maids than unhappy wives or girls ungracefully chasing after husbands. . . . Let time handle these matters; make this home a place of happiness, so you may be prepared for homes of your own if they come, and find contentment here if they do not.

Through her actions, Marmee shows that a home can thrive without a man's support, as she does while Mr. March is away at war. While many women, like Aunt March, believed young women should seek wealthy husbands, Marmee has a different perspective on the true worth of marriage.

Jo is fascinating as a representation of female independence in early American society. She is a tomboy often scolded by her sisters for whistling, using slang, and acting in "unladylike" ways. In chapter 1, Jo tells Meg:

I hate the thought of growing up, becoming Miss March, wearing long dresses, and looking as stiff as a China aster! It's bad enough to be a girl when I prefer boys' games, work, and manners! I can't overcome my disappointment in not being a boy; it's even harder now because I'm eager to go fight with Papa, but I'm stuck at home knitting like a dull old woman!

Jo is daring, outspoken, energetic, and intelligent. She asserts, “I am not afraid of anything,” expressing a sentiment that starkly contrasts with the typical prim and proper young lady. As she ages, she becomes more conscious of her appearance and adopts some ladylike manners but never loses the belief that she is equal to any man.