National Women's Day Thoughts

I may a bit late in blogging on this, but another blog caught my attention on the phrase "I'm not a feminist but...".

The role of the Primary Care Giver

But feminism is also about the right to make your own intelligent choices: it's about saying that nurturing other people shouldn't be regarded as 'lesser' than paid work, just because it's women who more often do it.

The crux of the argument is that the role of a mother/housewife *should be valued as highly as* full time employment and warrant the same respect for that choice.

However, there should also be an awareness that it is not a compulsory role.

I will also say, the recession of the 1980s has had a significant blow for feminism in the UK because it is no longer possible for one person to support a family of 3 on one wage. This means that the primary care giver, male or female, turns to dependancy on the state.

This, of course, translates into the glass ceiling, Men are better paid so stay at work, and so the myths perpetuate.

Disparities Continue

Battles are still to be had over how the term "hormones" has replaced the term "hysteria" in female subjucation. With "science" promoted as the whole truth, people put too much faith in article that lack scientific warrant - one recent example http://bit.ly/9Ky1A0 details alleged reasons why women cannot park based on gender differences. When you look into the study you realise it was a study of 500 people, all of whom were white, middle class British and the study loses all substance.

Chuck disasterous fiction such as Bridget Jones and Sex in the City in to the mix and it becomes clear why people have coined the term "feminazi" and most people will avoid the subject.

And finally...

I am proud to be a feminist, refer everyone I meet who is unsure to Marilyn French and continue to fight oppression where I see it. And yes, some people think I am "dull" or lack a "sense of humour" when I take offence if referred to as "chick" or "girlie" but I continue regardless.