WOMEN RIGHTS

Women Rights

Women Rights

Introduction

This paper attempts to discuss different dynamics of gender based role allocation on the basis of societal norms, behavior and mindset. Gender roles are not new, in fact since the earliest available records of mankind, it can be observed that man were assigned hunting, while women had to cook and look after kids and other house chores. With the passage of time, this gender wise role has been diversified to a larger extent. Still, however in every society gender wise role allocation is evident. This paper in connection to this will critically examine the statement “while women once had few life options beyond isolation in the domestic sphere, what historical developments presented new opportunities for women in society?”

I chose to start the examination of the above statement in light of my personal perception regarding World War I and World War II. These two wars, although change the geographical and political landscape of Europe and America, but also helped women to step out of their kitchens and home.

Discussion

Before the beginning of the 20th century, women would hardly be exposed to the opportunities to express their intentions to perform roles other than assigned to them on the basis of their gender. Marrying with a handsome and well settled man, becoming a housewife and bearing children were the future prospect for the women. In fact, effective management of domestic chores, keeping family intact and happy were the goals of the women, and those who dare to keep goals other than that could not have either means or resources or opportunities to fulfill them. This is because, they are not offered the comfort first of all to express goals any other than becoming a housewife (Bowels, 2011).

Despite the fact that women in many families were center of decisions, but due to the societal restrictions could not obtain authority to raise their voice. In fact, in many societies women lost their right even on their bodies against their husband, who after marriage can even dictate the actions of their wives. This was because of male domination all over the world. From birth to marriage, father and from marriage to rest of the life husband were the two male controller of the life of women (Faludi, 1991). Moreover, assets of women given to her as a gift or dowry by her father and other family members were considered the property of her husband.

Since from the past, women were never granted the permission to live the life the way they want, compare to man. The most important job for women in the past and in fact in all over the world includes parenthood and being a good wife. During 19th century, women's main occupation was motherhood and they are hardly provided any representation in politics and other professions. However, access to education were granted and considered important for women. Moreover, specialized women institutes were constituted where women were allowed to perform administrative tasks as ...