I would have to agree with Simone de Beauvoir that in the
past women have been placed or seen as secondary in relation to men. We have
been put in a separate box (not just check Male or Female) but a separate box
in life. Throughout history we have been seen as less; look how long it took us
to get suffrage.
Being from the states, I can say that although we have yet
to elect a woman as president, having had them in the running was at least a
big step. Even in Houston, which is located in Texas (primarily a Republican
state), we managed to elect a mayor that was not only a woman but also a
lesbian. But even still, after such advances, I still feel that women are held
back. I am not sure how to explain it but it’s still taking place.
I know this may be a silly thing to say but I think the fact
that women are the bearers of children pays a role in it. Although Beauvoir
didn’t go into it in the introduction I think it’s a big component. I mean lets
think about it…back in the day (cave man days), women bore children and men
protected the family. Then it went from women bore children to men protecting
the home, bringing home the bacon, voting, etc. Now both can do it all except
women still bear the children. So although we have now “proven” ourselves to be
capable of everything men can do and more, the weight of childbirth is still
upon us. Of course, I know there isn’t a natural way for a man to bear a child
nor do I think it will make things better at this point. I think the fact that
women are capable of conceiving a child and still manage to work and do the
same as men is a phenomenal feat. It is nothing to be looked down upon and it
something I look forward to doing in the future (farrrr future…still have
time). But, it is something that takes over us and changes us whether it is
mentally, physically, emotionally, etc. It is something that can make us
stronger or weaker in the eyes of others….excuse me in the eyes of the Subject
as Beauvoir might say.
I suppose my question is, are there any other big
differences in men and women besides child birth that come to any ones else’s
mind that have played a large role? Besides our sex, I believe it to be one of
the biggest distinguishing factor.
I think you're right when you mention childbirth. A long time ago, I was having that same discussion with a friend of mine and she asked me: Well we have that one capacity that men don't have and with it comes a price, that is expectations to bear children but do we have to?
ReplyDeleteWe do have some biological differences but nothing forces us to become a mother. I, too, think of motherhood as a beautiful experience that I look forward to it, but I also realize that it may be because I grew up with a constant reminder that women have to bear children, that it is their main duty as the female... I guess what I meant is that it is not because we can do it that we have to do it...but still, we do it, by choice. What would be more interesting to me, would be what motivates that choice, is it a natural need or is it a socially internalized need?
Hola,
ReplyDeleteReally interesting post and having spent some time in Texas myself, I hear you - it is encouraging to see female politicians and leadership figures.
I also think that the childbearing factor is an undeniable difference, because...I mean, how can it not be when it is such a long process in itself....it is not just a question of nine months (albeit you can work for some of those), but I think that pretty much for an entire year after having a baby you are in a bit of a zombie-like state, from what my friends and family with children have told me. Obviously that will have an impact on a woman's career - and that impact will in most cases function as something that is overcome, but it is an aspect of planning your life and your career that I think has more of an impact on women (of course men can take paternity leave as well, but they CAN; it is a choice vs. as a woman you MUST, due to the sheer physical aspect of it). I am grateful that I was born into an age and society in which I can work and have certain rights but I think it's undeniable that there are differences in men and women's work experiences. But then I think, aren't there differences in EVERYONE'S work experiences....are two people's work experiences, be they man or woman, EVER identical? Can anyone, man or woman, "have it all"? I don't think so...