Feminism in the early nineteenth century wiped out the suppression of women, which was a major achievement. Modern women have more opportunity to develop themselves and secure equal political, economical and educational opportunities for women are now normal in western countries. However, it seems that women now do not have much more self esteem than the Victorian women.
Until the start of the last century, women were responsible for housework, caring for the children, cooking, etc. Expectations and domestic duties did not leave much time for women to develop themselves or even to consider themselves. Self-image of women before the 20est century was very low.
Women today have the freedom to choose and rights equal to those of men. However, women focus on physical self rather than the emotional or mental selves. The reason for this is mostly to be attractive to men. So, from that viewpoint, nothing has changed for women during the last century. Women’s rights are now equal to those of men and women are given equal opportunities, but we still do not find ourselves in the same position as men and have a negative self-image.
Anti-feminism is on the rise.
Anti-feminists advocate that women have advanced in all spheres and share equal status and due to this reason feminism is no longer required. Women are not purposefully disadvantaged by their sex and are recognized as having as much human dignity as men. Women can live as freely as men can. However, to be antifeminist is to accept that men and women are different and complementary and this has nothing to do with being the ultimate housewife or a doormat to your husband and does not condemn working mums.
Rebecca West, British writer, speaking in 1913
Anti-feminists proclaim that since the beginning of modern feminism, the number of single mothers, teenage mothers have increased dramatically, along with the loss of family values, and that women do not feel more physically or emotionally secure than in the Victorian age. If feminism is a movement for improving the position of women, a reality check will show that it has failed.
(Anti-feminism should not be confused with masculinism, which concerns social issues regarding men’s rights and discrimination against men.)
Post a Comment