january 7, 2009; in class.

Meaning behind the conversation between Atticus, Jem and Scout is that Jem and Scout have to grow up. They have to start to live up to their reputation as Finches. Aunt Alexandra told Atticus to talk to Jem and Scout and tell them to start acting like the lady and gentlemen that they are. When Scout says "it takes a woman to do that kind of work" she means that Atticus can not change them because he does not care about his reputation as much as a woman would. A woman could be more strict and rule enforcing, and Atticus could not tell them to change, so he defiantly could not make them change.