With the first wave of feminism in the 1920s women’s suffrage was achieved— the first big step toward equality of the sexes. During the second wave of feminism following World War II women advocated for keeping the jobs into which they had stepped while men were fighting abroad. Both movements focused on gaining equality for women and propelled us into today an age in which most Western women have more freedom choice and equality than was ever previously imagined.
In the past year however some women’s groups have taken the fight a bit too far even going as far as changing the spelling of women to womyn. The argument of the women who advocate this according to The New York Times writer Daniel J Wakin is that women are their own identity and should not be connected to men in any way. They have argued that women must be in the work force if they want to make a difference and that being a housewife is not only an embarrassment to the fairer of the sexes but ultimately shouldn’t even be considered an option. Some no longer advocate that women have the freedom to make their own choices but instead tell women what they “have” to do defeating the original purpose of the feminist movement.
In modern times true independence has become a goal of every child by the time he or she turns 18 and heads off to college. This trajectory seems inevitable as once in college we’re on our own. No one will cook or clean for us and we’re forced to rely on ourselves to be responsible— make our way to classes do our homework juggle our extracurriculars. To continue this independence most women then move into their chosen careers doing what makes them happy. This is however often where the equality stops.
Once in the workforce before we women are tied down by marriage it seems we are increasingly being told the only way to make a difference is to stay in the workforce despite the desires of some who would choose to become stay-at-home mothers and wives. This idea is not only offensive to those of us who would choose to be at home with our kids and our families but to those who have had women in their lives doing the same.
The point of the feminist movement is to empower women to be able to make their own decisions. Trying to persuade women that in order to get on board with female progress they must stay in the workforce is selfish and wrong. Women should feel empowered to make their own decisions rather than being stripped of the ability to make their own lifestyle choice the operative word being “choice.”
In attacking those who choose a more traditional route certain feminists pit woman against woman and ultimately cause tension where there need be none. Instead of fighting with each other it would be better for women to support each other both in and out of the workplace.
I am not advocating that we return to the times when it was only acceptable for women to be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen. What I do support is that it be accepted that individual women make choices regarding what they think is best. In light of the argument for equality of the sexes why not also be a bit more open-minded concerning men being stay-at-home dads? Having a parent at home can be beneficial to the development of the family especially for small children.
Women are finally able to be nearly equal to men in the work force. We can do the same jobs make the same salaries and even reap the benefits of certain concessions for maternity leave. So why does advancement in one direction have to mean a detriment to the other?
In a perfect world women would be completely equal. Since we have come this far it may be time to accept all aspects of womanhood and not disregard those who choose the more traditional road that has been part of our history for so long.
