Essay Sample on Women Role in Society and Feminism

Introduction

Feminism is a movement that was established after World War One by prominent feminists who believed that the role of a woman great than keeping and maintaining their homes. Some of the most prominent feminist whose actions established progressive policies by providing the women a voice were Charlotte P. Gilman and Margaret Sanger. These two activists communicated their message to the public and women by writing books, holding rallies, and training women when they got the time and opportunity. Indeed, their work revolves around similar themes that revolve around feminism. First, the two authors in their books cover topics equal opportunities for both men and women, for example, equal rights to vote, economic opportunities, reproductive alternative, and freedom of expression (Foner 30).

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Next, both Sanger and Gilman agree with the opportunity to lift motherhood by creating a deliberate and intellectual campaign on birth control. With such plan, they shift their plans by ensuring that they enhance freedom. In such sentiments, they deduced that a woman would only be free when she has the power and will to control her body (Sanger 4). Moreover, just when she will be given the opportunity to solve their issues of motherhood, then equality within the society will be achieved. Next, both articles mention ideal economics, specifically the role of law in ensuring women have equitable employment opportunities (Gilman 70).

Referring to the law, they illustrate that man and woman needs to receive equal compensation for the working hours. Ideally, these articles embrace a line of progressive policy and outline that is witnessed currently, since women are occupying higher-salary positions, leadership positions, and have the right to make decisions concerning their motherhood, like the use of contraceptives.

Motivations Behind Self-Identified "Progressiveness"

The historical timeline established progressivism as a reform movement that began in late 19th century and ended within the early decades of the 20th century. During the period, issues revolving economic, political, and cultural arose due to the changes that led to capitalism in the United States of America (Gilman 63). Moreover, it was the belief that this era established a reign that enhanced the roots of liberalism that were created as the fulfillment of individual capacities and also established the origins of constitutionalism (Sanger 1).

The laws and policies celebrated today with the American community rooted from the struggles from activists such as Gilman and Margaret. These individuals saw and witnessed events related to racial discrimination, gender inequality, and defined roles between women and men (Gilman 63). With the ambition to establish progressivism and liberate the women from their absurd roles in the community, they initiated a revolt movement where the ladies were against sexual servitude as a means of freeing motherhood (Sanger 5).

Using the theory of Social Darwinism, both Gilman and Sanger discuss the idea of women changing their social identities. Moreover, their main claim reflects on the integrity of women as dependent beings, specifically to their male counterparts (Foner 64). Furthermore, their progressive idea also indicates the element of women becoming debtors and the only way to repay is by ensuring that they perform their homely duties as per the social norms (Gilman 65). First, the role of women in society was to help the men since they were an inferior being. At the same time, they define women as beings controlled by human-made laws that ensured that men maintained societal, economic, and political power (Sanger 3). In such situations, women have been left behind since their duties enhance making sacrifices for the family to ensure the men succeeded, for example, women employment opportunities were minimal, and at the same time the pay was dismal (Gilman 66). Gilman and Sanger emphasize that women need to enhance their personality and strive in creative development and growth.

Reproduction is also a norm discussed by the authors and scholars. Ideally, the social class between the rich and the poorly established grounds on the number of children per family and compared it with the economic status of these families (Sanger 6). First, Gilman confirms that the social ration of children among the rich and the poor was not equal since the poor reproduced at a higher rate than the rich (69). Additionally, Sanger illustrates that the higher reproduction system among the poor was directly associated with the economic levels since they lacked the capabilities to care for these children.

Also, landowners loved the idea of high reproduction systems since the more the children, the higher the number of workers in the agricultural land (Sanger 9). The movement of lifting motherhood brought many controversies, especially since it challenged the position of men within the community (Sanger 3). For example, fewer children meant that the production levels reduced; thus, reducing the profit rates. However, during the progressivism reign, children were allocated rights; therefore, making the parents went out to fend and provide for them.

Conclusion

To conclude, Sanger and Gilman, embrace the idea that women are of great importance towards building the community. Unfortunately, after the First World War women had no voice since the norm that promoted discrimination, gender racism, and oppression against women continued. With the emergence of activists/feminists such as Gilman and Sanger, women had the opportunity to share their views to the public and also participate in roles that lift womanhood or motherhood. Also, it has brought about reviews on the human-made policies that reflected women as inferior gender to masculinity.

Work Cited

Foner, Eric. Voices of freedom: A documentary history. W. W. Norton & Company, 2016.

Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. Women and Economics: A study of the economic relation between men and women as a factor in social evolution. Small, Maynard, 1898.

Sanger, Margaret. A woman and the new race. Cosimo, Inc., 2005.