Реферат: Changes In Women And Marriage Essay Research
Kalish). In the case of having children Oppenheimer argues that ?the
major component of the cost of children is the ?indirect? cost – the
cost of the mother?s time? (p. 295).
A rise in feminism is credited for being another strong
influence in women?s lives. Feminism movements, with emphasis upon
educational and vocational achievements for women, seem to encourage
departure from traditional sex roles which were chiefly organized
around marriage and children, and toward more extensive careers for
women, especially those who are well educated (Becker). ?Even though
not all young women label themselves feminists, the idea that women
can and should have aspirations other than wife and mother has been
widely accepted? (Unger & Crawford, pg. 364). While it is true the
woman?s movement has made significant progress in its attempt to
equalize opportunities, the situation continues to be blatantly
unjust. ?It has been said that marriage diminishes man, which is
often true; but almost always it annihilates woman? (Casler, p. 30).
Women, struggling to rise above the ?housewife? role, have a strong
desire to be valued for some of the same qualities men are valued
for: ambition, intelligence, and independence. Unfortunately,
subservient status of the married woman is deeply embedded in history.
?Conventional matrimony is seen by some to be a major stumbling block
in the path toward women?s liberation? (Casler, pg. 177).
?Modernization has inevitably led to the growth of individualism with
its emphasis on the importance of self fulfillment as opposed to the
subordination of individual needs? (Oppenheimer). As a result, women
not only are beginning to lead less traditional lives, but are also
increasingly tolerant of differences in life styles among others
(Becker). The old status order that granted men a privileged position
in the family is crumbling. Proponents of women?s empowerment have