Gender Equality

This is the age of emancipated women.. I'd rate my life better than my mom's; most definitely. Her life was better than my grandma's. Going by that logic, there has been progress. But is it real progress? ... or one of appearance cos today's women are generally successful, they are everywhere in the corporate and political world. In many parts of the world, women play roles in legislation, judiciary and executive.

What of the men? Has Man's life seen progress as well? Man the hunter, man the breadwinner, and now man in the equation called gender equality. I'd say man's life has become much better also cos in a double income family, their burden is also lessened. Now some are even able to slot in a game of golf here and there. No need to be hunting and gathering all the time. Progress also! Win-win. But let's see who 'wins' more.

The quantum of progress with reference to personal choices is definitely very apparent in women. The ability to earn has brought forth a more confident and independent woman. There's no need to depend on anyone else for her own living. A woman's voice is heard in most part of the world now, except for those still shackled by extreme religious and cultural views. Women in the ancient world were basically deemed only good enough for the kitchen or 'owned'. Back then, tales of subjugation would be the norm. But today too cultural values remain... for the Chinese, the woman marries into her husband's family and all that. I see the reason for such a practice in ancient times but it does not work that way any more.

Let's take a look at progress in terms of responsibilities. Today's woman is an emancipated woman. What has changed for the emancipated woman? For many married ones, she goes to work, brings home an income, sees to the kids, sees to the maid (if any), makes sure the house is in order, makes sure food is on the table... etc, etc. There are housewives too and many of them have a good life as some of them even have maids to ease their chores. For the lower income, many of them work too as soon their children are old enough to go to school. The demands of today's world are many!

Those who choose to remain single has a great deal of freedom. It is now acceptable to remain single. The word social stigma attached to a spinster seems to have faded into the background somewhat. In fact many are choosing to stay single.

The modern man with a working wife? He goes to work. He comes home - maybe helps out a little. But most couples I know rarely talk about the husband doing the other stuff apart from work on their job. Their world has remained basically almost the same... if not better. The single man can probably be lumped with the single women now.

But what has the emancipated woman gotten herself into? She now has to be a super juggler, juggling between work, family and house. It's a crazy schedule she keeps and on top of it, she's expected to be on par with her male counterparts at work. In the mean time, the world at home remains very much her domain. Most husbands will just close an eye to the clutter and if there is a need to get the food ready, they'll just hop into any stall or restaurant they fancy.

The way I look at it... it's a win-win for men but a win-lose for women. Just my 2 sen.