In the romantic comedy, Adam's Rib, two married lawyers, Adam (starring Spencer Tracey) and Amanda (starring Katherine Hepburn) learn of Doris Attinger's case. When Doris discovered her husband cheating, she shot him in the arm. Ironically, Adam is assigned to prosecution and Amanda becomes the defense attorney. After a power struggle between the two, Amanda successfully wins the case, consistently noting double standards and gender roles. Amanda suggests the judge consider if the roles reversed.
In the film, Amanda utilizes Doris's case to exemplify the inequalities between men and women, particularly regarding adultery. Here, social justice is served but to this day, women are still subject to double standards. For example, society perceives women as promiscuous for sleeping around, but often praises men for being charming and desirable. Second, men still outnumber women in politics, high-level business positions and much more.
How have women advanced socially throughout history?
Beginning with the first women’s rights convention in 1948, to year 1920 when the Nineteenth Amendment granted women the right to vote, to the early 1940’s when women started working during World War II, to a series of pro-women legislation, women still struggle in 2012 for equality versus men in the home and work force. In "Rosie the Riveter: Myths and Realities," Quick (1975) recalls two myths about women’s labor during and after World War II, and then attempts to establish the truth about woman’s oppression. Quick attributes the long term trend of increased woman’s labor to the decline of domestic servants and increased production of consumer durables. Quick notes the capitalist trend where the working class is forced to work more and more, yet the standard of living remains the same. For this, Quick describes the working woman’s journey as progressive, not liberated, for she gained social experience but not freedom.
Traditional gender roles continue to dominate society’s expectations of what is appropriate masculine and feminine behavior. Although women typically work as frequently as men do, many still label household chores and childcare as female responsibilities. Researchers continue to analyze women’s rights history and the effects of an increasingly egalitarian society on relationships.
While some relationships accept a bread-winning wife, others strive for traditional gender roles. In “What's Love Got to Do with It? Equality, Equity, Commitment and Women's Marital Quality," (Wilcox and Nock 2006) illustrate that many models of marriage predict greater happiness for wives over the companionate model, which stresses equality. As a female with high aspirations and dreams of a successful career, I hope the argument portrayed in "WASP (Wives as Senior Partners)," (Atkinson and Boles 1984) regarding an increased acceptance for WASPs, is accurate because I also desire a happy marriage. If perceived deviancy from others is the largest disadvantage of a WASP, society must learn to understand a growing section of married couples. Consequently, I also hope females continue to destroy inequalities in the workforce regarding salary and high-level positions.
I would not go as far to call modern women oppressed, for we have obtained the right to vote, the right to an abortion, protection from sexual discrimination, and access to traditionally male careers. However, women must continue to challenge men in the workforce and expect equal treatment in relationships. In an earlier post, I discussed how few women even attempt to run for political office. Research suggests that women would win elections if they actually ran. On this note, women should not let society dictate what we can and can not achieve Vice versa, if women who respect traditional roles yearn to fulfill housewife, they should be able to without criticism.
However...some women do consider themselves oppressed. FEMEN, a group of Ukrainian feminists, protest topless to get attention to fight for equal rights in wardrobe, domestic violence, politics, government, prostitution and much more. Although there were videos with more education, this one shows the least nudity and still demonstrates the cause.
Once again, the film and articles lead me to conclude that society should stop being so judgmental. Let people do as they please :)
No comments:
Post a Comment