Why encourage girls to shun motherhood, and to not become home-makers in order to pursue their careers in the corporate world, while at the same time say that women are important and should be admired for their status as child-bearers, and hard work as homemakers?
2007-11-12 08:33:53 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Gender Studies
Feminism is about making women and girls realise that they have choices in life. At no time is motherhood shunned. In fact, it is celebrated.
Please do a little reading before asking such a question that may be misinterpreted as insulting.
2007-11-12 16:47:18 · answer #1 · answered by sukatx 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Those are two different groups of feminists. Classical feminists of the 1900's valued homemakers because they *were* homemakers themselves. They advocated for things like the family wage and the right to vote. Modern feminists of the 60's and 70's were anti-homemakers. They said, "homemaking is such drudgery, so dull, that we want the right to work for pay instead." Sort of a different message, huh? Of course, some today espouse both views, but it seems pretty two-faced. They usually agree that a woman can take a short "break" from making money to have a baby, as long as they are willing to fund gov't - run daycare centers. This is not a neutral stance, despite the lip service to "choice".
2007-11-12 08:48:01 · answer #2 · answered by Junie 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Feminism is about choice, as I understand it. It offers a woman the opportunity to choose the kind of life she wishes, without having legal barriers in her way.
This, sadly, is where alot of the hypocrite talk comes from regarding feminism...many men feel they would like to have that choice as well. And I can't blame them. We're seeing more of it now, though, with stay at home dads. Hopefully, we will evolve to a state where this can happen without the negative stereotyping involved. Breadwinners should not be determined by gender, nor should primary caregivers.
2007-11-12 08:56:01 · answer #3 · answered by Super Ruper 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is not having it both ways...it is called having a full life and feeling good about the life you have made for yourself. Of course you want to be recognized and honored for your work as a well rounded person.
It is not feasible for a girl to shun a career so she can become a home-maker in this day and age. Where is the money going to come from for the things that are needed when the children need braces, or want to join hockey, or want to go to college?
Do you want to marry? Do you want to live above the poverty level, or is it your dream to live a life where everything is just out of reach because you don't have the money, and now your wife who didn't pursue her career doesn't want to work at McDonald's?
Feminist's are obviously ahead in the game when it comes to thinking about the future. You, my friend, need to take a peek at it yourself.
2007-11-12 08:58:58 · answer #4 · answered by imgram 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Feminists don't encourage girls to shun motherhood. They just think that staying at home is not the only place for women. I think the important thing is that a woman should be able to choose. If they want to focus on their careers they can and if they want to be stay at home moms they can and if they want babies and careers they can do that too.
2007-11-12 08:44:21 · answer #5 · answered by blair o 2 · 7⤊ 2⤋
It's about women having choices in their lives. Not all women are cut out for motherhood and being homemakers and they should not be forced into that lifestyle if they don't want it.
2007-11-12 11:17:40 · answer #6 · answered by RoVale 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'm a feminist from the 60's and 70' and I am not, nor never was an anti -housewife. I am for women being able to choose their own path and make their own decisions. It is not two faced - it is basic respect for other women and their right to make their own choices.
2007-11-12 14:52:11 · answer #7 · answered by professorc 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Feminists want women to be able to do what ever they please. THAT'S the issue. Women should be able to choose whether or not to be wives and mothers or to be only in the workforce or both, and not have their life planned out for them by others.
I know this is no longer the way it is in the US. OUR society has advanced insofar as women having this choice, but some cultures still embrace this antiquated way of thinking.
2007-11-12 11:22:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have noticed this trend too, as in a significant number of women want the best of both worlds as an independent thinker being coddled by "male society", but I don't believe self-described feminists are the culprits. Feminism on the whole most definitely sparked the trend, but a true feminist wouldn't fit this description.
I am interested in hearing what others have to say though, as I don't really understand it all being that I have a penis :P
2007-11-12 08:46:54 · answer #9 · answered by Todd 7 · 1⤊ 4⤋
both choices are viable. feminism was about choices.
i think feminism did a lot to improve the status of housewives. feminists hate it when women say "i'm JUST a housewife." As a result, the UN and others have put a price tag on their unpaid work - it would cost trillions to the world's economies.
but also, not all women want to stay at home. as human beings, as citizens, we should have economic opportunities open to us.
feminists promote independence. it is very difficult in today's modern world to depend on one salary. also, there aren't many safety nets - no retirement benefits, etc.
my mom raised 5 kids. luckily she worked for about 15 years. in the end, she receives a pittance from social security and a block of cheese each year (when farmers have surplus). so from my personal experience, i want to work - i won't be dependent on anyone...that's my decision. everyone is entitled to their own.
2007-11-12 08:44:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋