Do girls want equality or not?

Question

I been thinking about this question alot lately and wanted to see what some women actually thought. Realistically, equality would take alot of emphasis off of sex and completly destroy gender roles. People would be involved in relationships without feeling obligated to buy this or do that simply because you are a man or a woman. By no means do I think that men don't still promote gender roles for women but I'm personally not into it. So tell me do women want equality or equality when it's going to get them a better job, house, position etc but want to be treated like a "lady" (as offensive as that sounds) in other situations. Equality when it's convenient?

I've read all of the comments and I'm still hearing alot of circular explanation that really don't go to far. What does it mean to be a woman or a man, besides the obvious genetic differences. Sensitivity doesn't make you a woman any more than emotional distance makes you a man. If men and women were really equal wouldn't it be less necessary to say "oh she's a woman I should buy her flowers or open doors" or "he's a man so I should let him take charge every once in a while." It seem that the whole idea of feeling that u deserve some treatment as a man or woman is completly against equality. Why promote differential treatment in so many social interactions? Why don't women buy their boyfriends flowers or hold doors? We're all equal right? Those are actions are nothing more than show of affection/respect/appreciation. It's a deep topic.

Answer 1

Here's the deal. The reasoning is circular, which means there is no logical reasoning. Just accept it. Live with it. You ain't changin' it.

So, women want to compete for a job with a man because she is just as capable. True. Fair enough.

But, she STILL wants him to give up his seat on the train on the way home. Why? Is she not just as capable of standing as him?

Of course, but she will say that he should. It is just good manners. This is, of course, not logical. Why should he treat her better than she would treat him?

To her good manners is defined as men treating women BECAUSE they are women. Certainly not equality.

That's just the "way it is." One of those illogical things you will learn to accept.

Oh, and remember to not EVER, EVER say that it is because they are weaker. You will get slugged. But, of course, that is OK since you are a guy (but, that's another topic).

Answer 2

Historically, that issue has been a major battlefield not only between men and women but between women themselves.

Before women's suffrage, different female groups argued over "protective" laws Vs. "equality" laws. An Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution (ERA) was introduced as early as WWI, but went nowhere fast. As feminism increased through the 60's and 70's, the amendment seemed close to passing, but it was stopped by a largely female led anti-ERA movement in the 80's (part of the wave of New Conservatism)

Doesn't answer your question I know, but some nice historical background (it's what I do best)

Answer 3

I think some women do. These are the women fighting in Iraq. Personally I don't really care that much about chivalry as I have done well taking care of myself. Can't say I turn it away though. Guys like being in control, and I don't mind the free stuff.

But when push comes to shove, I want to say I that I am responsible for my accomplishments (or failings) and that requires equality.

Answer 4

Just because we want acceptance of our professional and intellectual equality does not mean that we have to sacrifice positive gender roles. One is not mutually exclusive of the other. You can buy a woman flowers and still respect her ability to do a job just as well as a man could.

The idea of equality lies in an acceptance of the unique qualities that women bring to a given situation, and acknowledging that although on average those qualities are different from men's they're not worse.

For example, I work in Finance. Finance is generally known as a hard-*** cold environment. I may work within an industry that is generally cold, but that is a FAULT and a big reason why many people are afraid of investments. I involve myself emotionally in my work and in the people whose lives I want to make a difference in. People sense that, and they respond positively to it, and it helps our business. But there's a drawback...sometimes I CRY at work. yes, that's right. I cry when I find out a client is leaving his job because he's dying of cancer. I go and do it in private, but I do cry.

Most people would say that is a weakness, that there's no place for that much emotion in business. I say that because men have traditionally monopolized business jobs, there is a misconception that stereotypical manly-characteristics are what is best for business. That's not true. The reason that all of my clients and their employees love me and trust me is because I care so deeply that I communicate it with every smile, every word. They can feel there is a deep and uncontrived concern for their well-being that underlines every thing I do every day.

The idea of equality is about letting women remain women -- whatever one may feel that means -- while still appreciating their contributions to areas that used to be primarily or only male. It is about realizing that diversity in the professional world and in academia is a POSITIVE thing. We -- men and women -- will all vary in our personalities and our strengths and weaknesses, but no "type" of being is better than the other. Women do NOT all want to "man-ify" ourselves (but we can choose to do so if that's what a particular woman is comfortable with) we just want everyone to be what they are and have their strengths appreciated regardless of whether its a stereotypically male or female characteristic.

It also means that I hate hearing people say "you are such a girl" "that is so girly" and "take it like a man". It ALL is trying to say that female characteristics are bad and male ones are good.

Also, I know that I am physically weaker than most men, and yes, that means that I appreciate chivalry. I appreciate getting help with really heavy things. But I also know it doesn't mean I get to do nothing while my man does all the work. I once pushed my boyfriend's truck out of the snow while he steered! That's right! I'll pitch in when I can, and when there are things I could use help with, I don't mind asking.

When we like being treated like a lady as you call it, I think you mean that we like being treated like we're cared about. Who doesn't want that? Do we ask you to stop being a man when we give you a back massage because you're being a wuss whining about how much your back hurts? No silly, we just want to show you we love you, and we appreciate anything you do that shows us you love us too! We women really appreciate those little things that make us feel cared for.

So thank you to all the guys and girls who asked me if I needed help with my bags this week when I was on crutches.

Answer 5

of course we want equality and we don't patronize it. i mean, as a woman i accept the fact that there will be some situation wherein we could not achieve equality esp in work which requires man strength. but in other things, i believe we believe in equality esp in relationship.

Answer 6

This girl definitely does. I don't want to be treated like a woman — I want to be treated like a person.

Answer 7

yeah. of course they do. and customs like "ladies first" don't really have much too do with real equality. they can have their cake and eat it too, inmy opinion anyway.