Name
Chamberlain University
HUMN-303: Introduction to the Humanities
Prof. Name
Date
Women have struggled through significant hardships to attain their rights since the 19th century. Their fight for equality has spanned generations, with a historical lack of control over their reproductive health and limited opportunities to express their desires. The term “women’s rights” refers to “rights that promote a position of legal and social equality of women with men” (Google). Women have demonstrated their right to equal treatment and opportunities in the workplace.
According to Howard-Hassmann (2011), the women’s rights movement underwent a substantial transformation in the late 19th century, advancing the cause of women’s equality. This movement enhanced women’s autonomy in both familial and public spheres, expanding educational and economic opportunities. This increase in agency allowed women to navigate their diverse identities, roles, and obligations (p. 436). Some critics have questioned whether human rights are inherently gendered, suggesting that traditional human rights often reflect male experiences, thus marginalizing women’s roles as active agents in society (p. 439).
In the early 19th century, societal expectations relegated women primarily to child-rearing and domestic responsibilities. Men feared the shifting social roles of women and resisted granting them rights. Abrams (2015) examines whether the abortion debate stems from moral concerns or reflects deeper issues of gender relations (p. 179). Women seeking abortions were often labeled “bad mothers” as a means to impose guilt and control (p. 180). This perception reinforced stereotypes that portrayed women as too emotional and incapable of making rational decisions regarding their health (p. 185).
The modern women’s rights movement in the United States emerged in the 1960s as a reaction to longstanding social inequities. Loveday (2009) outlines the movement’s significant milestones, including the rise of feminism during World War II, the publication of The Feminine Mystique, and the establishment of the National Organization for Women (NOW). Despite significant progress, challenges persist in achieving true equality. For instance, after World War II, many women were displaced from their jobs, which were reassigned to returning servicemen, demonstrating the prevailing belief that women’s contributions were temporary and secondary (Loveday, 2009, p. 1).
Zuzana and Pavel (2013) highlight the educational achievements of women, noting that in many wealthy countries, girls outperform boys academically and earn more university degrees. They play a crucial role in economic decision-making and contribute significantly to the workforce (p. 27). However, disparities in management roles persist, with slow advancement for women in senior positions being viewed as a waste of talent (p. 28).
Haghighat (2013) emphasizes that the challenges faced by women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) cannot be solely attributed to Islam. Instead, Islam is often utilized by those in power to justify the limitation of women’s rights and resources. A nuanced understanding of demographic, economic, and political factors is necessary to fully grasp the complexities of women’s empowerment in this region. Empowerment occurs when women can express their needs and interests without external imposition (p. 247).
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