I remember Eight Cousins from childhood, as well -- I had my mother's copy. And I suspect putting a child in a corset at that age isn't a great idea. I honestly am not sure Alcott -- other than Little Women -- has that much cultural impact anymore, though. But it's dug in deep; it wasn't until I started talking to costumers that I learned otherwise. The notion that women would subject themselves to minor discomfort (underwired bras, high heels) for the sake of their appearances is plausible, the notion that women would subject themselves to the incredible discomfort and hampering of everyday life that's imagined for corsets just makes no sense.