Hi and welcome to my blog. I really think parents need to lighten up; I mean, if parenting was meant to be a serious endeavor they'd offer classes! Oh, wait....
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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

1950s Gender Roles in the Modern Era--Part 2

     Many of my girlfriends have decided to make some BIG changes. Nearly every one of them works outside the home, or at least they did until very recently. It seems that for some reason they've all chosen this moment to spend more time with their children. That's right, all of these career focused woman have decided to become stay-at-home-mothers!


The epitome of the mother who
wanted more!
    We all know that being a SAHM wasn't my first choice. I was drafted. And here's a guilty confession for you. Ever since that first day, I have done everything that I can think of to get back into the working world.     
    Now I don't want to offend any of you that chose to be career mommies. I think it's great that you are doing what you love, but this isn't me. I desperately need to have a job--a purpose and identity beyond my wife and mother role. I need the challenges, stimulation and COMPANY that comes from working outside the home. I don't feel like I contribute my fair share when I'm not bringing in a paycheck and frankly, I blame that fact on Women's Lib.
     Sometimes I really believe that the Equal Rights Movement didn't do women any favors. Sure it opened up a world jobs, equality, and purpose but it also taught us that we can and should expect to have it all! And frankly, they lied. I admit that when I was a career woman I looked down on SAHMs. Because what woman, in their right mind, wouldn't want to have it all? A fulfilling job, loving family and dinner on the table by six. This illusion/delusion has set up many a woman to fail.
     The "Have It All" attitude is extremely pervasive in our culture and now that I'm on the other side of that coin I feel the judgement of working women bearing down on me. And here is where the disparity of the situation becomes clear. In the 1950s there was a societal expectation that mothers stayed home and nurtured the family. There was also that support of other women to draw from. The problem I find myself in, is that because I didn't choose to be a SAHM and since I don't work steadily outside the home I fail to find support from either side. It seems that my "swinger" status is bothersome to all.

To be continued....


Check out the series.    
Part 1
      
Peace Out! 
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