gender roles
A look at the evolution of gender roles, from Leave It to Beaver, paternity leave, female breadwinners and more.
The Muzzle of Misogyny
When I was in college I wrote a column for my school newspaper about the patriarchy. The guy I was dating at the time told me that his whole family read it together and hated it, then proceeded to warn him that he should be careful because I was a man-hater and it was probably because of my “daddy issues.”
By Lydia Waybright5 years ago in Viva
A Horse is a Horse; of Course, of Course.
by Cathy Pepe “I think I’d rather be a cowboy. I think I’d rather ride the range.” -John Denver The first thing I remember being fascinated by as a child was horses. I thought they were the most majestic things I’d ever seen. I was obsessed with them. Freud posited that little girls love horses because of penis envy. No way I would ever agree with that theory. Although I did want to be a boy, it had nothing to do with a part of the anatomy that I had never seen before. I wanted to be a cowboy because in the late 50s and early 60s there wasn’t a whole lot of data about cowgirls.
By Cathy Pepe5 years ago in Viva
The Tech Industry Is No Place For A Woman
Being a woman in the tech industry is difficult enough by today’s standards. Try doing it in the early eighties, before Hillary Clinton popularized the pant suit and only a decade after the bra burning movement. My mother was one of the brave women who conquered the field and still managed to make it home in time for dinner (most nights). Working for IBM in the peak of its existence, she pioneered the use of SAP, a software system that, after years of explanation, still eludes me. During that time she received a software utility patent that I also don’t understand. Clearly I did not follow in her footsteps.
By Samantha Parry5 years ago in Viva
Gender Disparity: Household Chores
We all see at our home that men are doing outside household work and women are responsible for inside household work. There is no home left on this planet where this traditional rule is not applicable. Even though she is working women, there is no change in this rule.
By Prajakta Maraskolhe5 years ago in Viva
My Champion
Dear Strong Woman, You amaze me. I need to start right there because I know you haven't heard it nearly enough. All those times you felt like no one saw you, I hope you know I saw you clearly. All the times you spoke and thought that no one heard you, I assure you I did. Your words still resonate in my mind each time I face tough times, in fact. All those times you took care of everyone else without a single expectation or a single thank you... I bet you felt so unappreciated. I'm here to say that I not only appreciate you, but I love you. It's your love that built my spirit. It's your kindness and humility that taught me what matters most. It's your devotion to your family that made me who I am today.
By Kathryn Keller-Casper5 years ago in Viva
What Is Lady Like?
When I used to hear the word lady like I'd think of reprimanding, scolding, and, quite honestly, the 18th century. I'd picture women in fluffy dresses with corsets who are constantly reminding each other to stay in their place. I'd think of my mother popping my hand telling me not to move a certain way because she decided to adorn me in a dress for the day. I'd remember teachers in school saying that I wasn't acting like a lady when my sassiness and strong opinion wasn't appreciated. Overall I viewed Lady Like as an undercover way of silencing a woman without out right telling her to be quiet.
By Blue Dymond5 years ago in Viva
1 in 3 Women Will Experience Violence from a Partner
With the rise of the #MeToo movement and ever-increasing allegations of sexual harassment and/or misconduct from powerful men in the workplace, the focus of women in relation to their bodies and autonomy has never been more in the spotlight. Meanwhile, European countries have been under fire for what has been seen as violations against women's rights in legislature proceedings. Then the shocking murder of Sarah Everard in the UK reignited many discussions about safety for women, unveiling the unsaid "codes" of how women often need to navigate the world around them. Never before have there been so many instances where women have risen to be talking points, not because of triumphs or glass ceilings being shattered—but because of the dangers they face in day-to-day life.
By Jillian Spiridon5 years ago in Viva
Sexism and The City
It was the day that everything changed. The city was revelling, a continuous cycle of drudgery, delusion, and desperation. Once again, I found myself standing waiting for the rhythm of the traffic light to quicken to a rapid pace and allow me to cross the road. Most people didn’t obey the traffic lights in the city, something about having no time. Yet, I quite looked forward to taking my time in the morning. With the hallowed sounds of civilisation knocking impatiently at my door and my heartbeat syncopated with the city, I looked around for a second, tried to gain my bearings.
By S.R Fleiser5 years ago in Viva
