Women\'s Liberation in the 21st

¶ … Women's Liberation in the 21st Century

There is a popular phrase that "women's work is never done." Perhaps a more accurate statement might be that women's work is never respected. When women attempt to do work that is considered masculine, their input is often devalued because they are characterized as inferior, imitation males. However, work that is often considered to be feminine in nature, such as nursing or teaching, is devalued because it is associated with what is feminine. What is seen as feminine is depicted as anathema to American cultural values of competition, excellence, and intellectualism. All of these attributes are associated with power and achievement in modern, American society, and all are traditionally characterized as masculine. Of course, there are differences between the sexes. But it is important to ask why so many cultures are obsessed by this particular difference that exists between these particular groupings of individuals. There will always be differences between any two groupings of people. Every human being is unique, regardless of gender, and that uniqueness should be respected.

Because the apparent limits upon feminine achievement are largely cultural, not biological, women should not accept the psychological or sociological limits placed upon their achievement. Despite the sexism present in society, women have still been able to shine. Many years ago, it was said that it was impossible for women to run marathons. Now women run marathons almost as swiftly as males. In 2008, a woman was a viable candidate for the Democratic nomination, while in 1984 the female Vice-Presidential candidate was accused of being too soft and emotional to govern the country. Women have not changed, biologically, in the years since the Second Wave of the feminist movement, instead, culture has changed. And culture must continue to change, and women must continue to take the world by surprise.

This does not mean that women have to be the 'same' as men to prove their worth because female liberation means that both male and feminine values are equally important for society to function. Women should feel as if they have the right to exercise their potential in stereotypically masculine and feminine occupations, to realize their full possibilities as human beings. In fact, one of the possible mistakes of the feminist movement of the 1970s was to stress that for women to work in traditionally male occupations was the only path to liberation. Of course, if a woman wishes to become a lawyer or an engineer, she should be free to do so. But it is also important, to honor the past history of women's accomplishments in the home, and to allow all women to follow their heart's desire. Traditionally feminine roles must also be celebrated. It is because of sexism that occupations such as teaching and nursing are devalued.