A Fair Deal?

Are Women Getting A Fair Deal?

We are undergoing rapid changes due to a fast pace of urbanization and modernization. Women belonging to all classes have now entered paid occupations. At the present time, woman’s exposure to educational opportunities is amusingly higher than it was decades ago, especially in the urban settings of different parts of the world. This has now opened new vistas, increased awareness and raised aspirations of personal growth. This, along with economic pressure has been instrumental in influencing women’s decision to join the work force.

Most studies of employed married women have reported economic independence as being the primary factor in given for working. After the post-liberalization era, due to economic compulsion, two incomes in a household has become a necessity. Along with the traditional roles, women have now brilliantly taken up an added role of co-earner. Nonetheless, the home and children essentially remain her responsibilities with little or no contribution from the significant other. As an ideal woman, she wants to fulfill the duties of a faithful wife, sacrificing mother, efficient and obedient daughter-in-law and a highly placed ambitious woman. These create many problems for her. She finds it extremely difficult to do justice to such distinct roles at the same time. An attempt to play several roles with perfection leads to an inadvertent sacrifice of her mental health.

The biggest reason why our women are so stressed because we are sprinting towards the modern track without leaving the traditional one. For instance, Most of the women still juggle families with jobs. Though in urban areas, the nuclear family is the norm, extended families are still emotionally in control, while, a second income is not only welcome but mandatory these days. Our society has not relaxed its expectations of women. The menfolk’s expectation remains unchanged. Concern for the well- being of children and fear that she wouldn’t be able to discharge her duties towards them is the main source of stress for working women.

India is an emerging capitalist economy and women are stepping out of their homes to work, equally contributing to the financial needs of their families. India’s feudalistic mindset has not yet changed completely, as men still expect women to do all the work on the home front too.

The excessive burden on women globally must be reduced by all means. The family environment must be democratic and all family members of the family must share the household work equally. Women must be involved equally in the decision-making process. Within the household, society and government also need to change their attitude towards women. More women are gaining managerial posts as the country’s growth surges ahead yet few are able to break the ceiling and secure the real power of job due to a stereotypical view of them. Women as Fragile and Ineffective. The double burden of holding the job and looking after the family is the greatest obstacle preventing married women from moving ahead mentally and professionally.

Do what you gotta do. Be independent. Do your things on your own. You have functioning arms and legs for a reason. Don’t trouble your mother, wife or a friend unnecessarily. Share the burden. Let them live.