Jo often feels torn between being a “lady” and being a writer. What did it mean to be “ladylike” in Jo’s society? What does it mean now? Do you think modern young women still feel torn between social demands and professional ambitions? Why or why not?
Being a Lady, in modern times, is a bit different. Language and manners still play a part. But gender roles have been more muddled.
ReplyDeleteStay at home husbands are still a stigma. And I must say that working women still have to deal with the HUGE unspoken question:
Sure, she's valuable and productive, but what if she gets pregnant?
Honestly, up until 1 yr ttc when I first discovered my IF, I assumed I'd go back to work right away - just like my mom did before me.
But lately (last 3-4 yrs), I've found a yearning to be the SAHM (emphasis on the M). :)
So now, I find that I impose that question to myself. And I know the answer. But the actions from that answer keep getting pushed out farther and farther.
Maybe I've stepped into the "what does it mean to be a woman?" instead of just a "lady". :)
That was Stephanie above. Blogger is being silly this morning.
ReplyDeleteI think that today it's a lot more acceptable for women to do as they "want" whereas in Jo's society the expectations were not only there but rigidly enforced by society (limited opportunities, schooling, etc.).
ReplyDeleteWhen we read "The Help" a few months ago, we discussed "The MRS degree".
In personal observation, I don't feel as though women are "torn" between one or the other since either choices are acceptable and common. I do feel though, that for women who want to go back to being more domestic struggle with that because many are simply unable to and require a two person income household. That, to me, would be very frustrating.
On a completely separate note, I think a while ago in the age of women just starting to begin careers, the stay at home domestic woman was not considered with too much value. I almost feel that it is what led us to where we are today... the Momzilla/Mombie society. To add value. But it's gotten out of hand. Then again, maybe it has always been that way.
I'm feeling like I am rambling lots today. :o\
I think there are many more opportunities for women to choose exactly what they want to do...which Jo certainly didn't have. Although in the end she is able to balance both worlds through opening her school.
ReplyDeleteAs for the modern woman being torn, I think we mostly do it to ourselves. Personally I know exactly which side I would choose but then I think "what if I am giving up something I should be going after". So really all the conflict is within...not from society.
And, yeah, I am rambling today as well :)
Blogger IS being crappy today. It just lost everything I wrote. ARGGH.
ReplyDeleteTo sum, I said I don't think women are torn anymore because it is acceptable to go either way, but I think that professional ambition is starting to outweigh the typical social demands of a woman. More women are getting through school before getting married and then setting themselves up in a career before having children.
I agree with much of the above. The only thing that I am going to add is that I miss seeing ladylike behavior or just manners being valued by society. It seems like more and more people think it is ok to send a thank you via FB email rather than snail mail, or don't bother with RSVPs. I see mothers wanting to be their children's bffs but not wanting to discipline and teach them proper behavior, and expect teachers to do all that. Shows hosted like Maury Povich and reality shows like The Bachelor and The Bachelorette make me so sad - which is why I love period dramas! You get the drama but with manners! Or if they lack the manners, it's SCANDULOUS not the norm!
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