Feminist Controversies Essay

Controversies have always encompassed women and their rights. Many have varying opinions about the differing ways women live. One of these controversies includes feminism and traditionalism. Feminists argue that women still need more rights and have not yet been able to match up to their male counterparts. Tradition says women have always played a role domestically. Carolyn Graglia argues that feminism has been undermining the traditional ways of women (Graglia, 395). I agree with this and would say that the Women’s Movement of the 1970s did liberate women and societies view of women has been distorted by feminists. Feminists have done this by devaluing women in the home, changing sexual morality, and changing marriage. Our society has been engrained in the idea that you will not be happy unless you are working and making money. Before several feminist movements, this idea was mainly for men, now it can be seen with both males and females. Because of this, women homemakers are seen as having little benefit to society. Many

Marriage is not seen as a career choice by society and feminists (Graglia, 399). People no longer view marriage as being something to work for, but that it should come easy. It is believed that a husband should no longer have to have a responsibility over the good of his wife (Graglia, 399). It has become normal, for many homes, to earn a double income. Not that this is a negative thing, but it has become a negative aspect for wives who choose to stay home with their children. Stereotypes can appear for the stay-at-home wife, such as that she is “lazy” and “does not want to work.” Little does society know, being a stay-at-home wife or mother can be one of the most strenuous jobs in our society. The negativity surrounding this has also made it harder for these wives and mothers, which could in turn affect their marriage with their