Women's Independence: A Sociological Contemplation - Essay Sample

Introduction

Karen Horney claims that women undergo hiccups in romantic involvements the moment they choose the development of independent skills. According to Horney, attempts at achieving expansion of female activities face critics and the only acceptable situation where a woman is allowed to be independent is when an economic crisis strikes. Independence tries by the female counterparts are also claimed not to be of any crucial importance. Given the different sociological contemplations, women are viewed as people with very predictable character (Horney, 1950). The viewing places a woman in a state of dependence on the man for love, companionship and support. People who uphold such a view on women tend to misinterpret the female behaviour concerning inborn submission qualities rather than recognizing them in a realistic state that they are. Therefore, this is a significant contribution to the reason why biological factors are not adequately articulated, but the modification of the traditional practices followed.

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The first factor contributing to women being viewed as dependent on males for love and sex according to (Horney, 1950) is because intimacy with different sexuality spheres has been made incredibly impossible. Homosexuality is not an option for women as it is regarded as immorality and is a contributing factor of rivalry amongst women. Masturbation, on the other hand, is said not to give the woman the sexual satisfaction that she needs. According to this explanation by Horney, we are made to understand that a woman has very complex sexual needs and a higher sex drive compared to men. The most excellent point being ignored is that women also enjoy the pleasure of earning their own money and eating out rather than sexual enjoyment. Just like the average human being, women wish to explore the feeling of owning something and not feel deprived of freedom.

Secondly, upon facing defeat in a relationship, the tension in rivalry increases (Horney, 1950). In any sexual relationship, competitors are aiming for a specific price. In this case, there may be two or more women interested in one guy. It is visible that each lady will do all in her power to capture the man's attention and time. Women also try to hide from the fact that upon defeat in the contest search for an ideal mate, anxiety for loss of a lover develops within oneself. Women believe that sexual security is availed by a male figure in their lives failure to which they feel exposed to numerous insecurities. Loneliness will also result and envious feelings towards a lucky female also form in the process. Attempts to gain sexual security may also lead t overestimated sexual needs which in return depletes sexual anxiety.

The last contributing factor is that women at some point in life refer to stimulating sexual excitement during childhood that is similar to an orgasm (Horney, 1950). In the early stages of childhood development, sexual arousal was a rather scary situation. This is because the condition under which sexual excitement occurred was in a slightly uncomfortable scenario. This sexual arousal was proven to leave some traces of awakening and strangely vitalising to the female body. Horney says she felt inclined that sexual marks in women were responsible for bringing up the need for sexual gratification which the man was the suitable one to accomplish. However, despite numerous attempts by men to satisfy the sexual desires of women, the efforts have born no fruit.

In my viewing, according to the current century and its advancements, I wish to disagree with some of Horney's statements. The woman in the current economy is allowed to be self-dependable and freely earn her living. The male dependence for love, support and companionship have lowered given the developing sexualities in our current upbringing. Women rivalry is also rapidly reducing, given the fact that women are now actively involved in activities that keep them occupied. Most women are also becoming less attracted to men and more attracted to a same-sex relationship. Due to the heartbreaks and cheating behaviour of men, the women have lost interest in seeking man's attention or sexual pleasure. In the traditional upbringing, women were raised to believe that sex was meant for marriage and to satisfy the husband's desire. It is however sad that sex is currently being commercialised and women exchange sexual pleasure for material gaining. The worst part is that men are taking advantage of the situation and in return diminishing the woman's pride and dignity. Men are also not an exception whatsoever to the sexuality topic as they are also engaging in homosexuality and masturbation. It is discouraging to see that once a man has sexual needs, they quickly seek masturbation for sexual satisfaction.

Sex must be treated with the respect that it deserves as it is a gift to the human being. Our sexuality is what determines our existence and productivity. I cannot imagine a situation where sexuality is put to extinction. According to the social viewing of sexuality, there is a specific age and time when sexual interaction is allowed. The body must have time to properly mature and be ready to perform the required sexual functions. Women should also fight in putting an end to their social viewing of sexuality as the weaker ones. All the genders depend on each other for love and sexual fulfilment contrary to the stated facts that women are the ones generally dependent on the men. Most notably in marriage, there are defined roles that specifically need a man and woman's presence for completion of duty.

Reference

Horney, K. (1950). Love and Marriage (pp. 190-201).