The double edged sword of modern feminism
In the ever-evolving landscape of gender dynamics, modern feminism has made strides towards gender equality. Women today, mainly western, white women, are more empowered than ever before to pursue their dreams, ambitions, and careers. However, behind this facade of progress lies a complex reality: the double burden that many women face as they strive to balance “traditional” gender roles with a life equal to man. Despite the basic advancements in gender equality, societal expectations often still dictate that women must juggle both domestic responsibilities and professional pursuits. In this blog post, I’ll delve into the intricacies of this phenomenon and explore the challenges and implications it poses for for women moving forward.
It is important to note that when discussing the tropes of modern feminism, I am very much talking about the movement that called for rights for white women and rich women in the western world. Modern feminism stems from a branch of feminism that is firmly rooted in racism and classism. That’s why intersectionality is crucial.
To understand the current state of affairs, it's crucial to examine the historical context of gender roles. Traditionally, women were confined to domestic spheres, expected to prioritise caregiving, homemaking, and child-rearing over career ambitions. This societal construct persisted for centuries, perpetuating gender disparities in education, employment, and opportunities for women.
However, the feminist movement of the 20th century challenged these norms, advocating for (white) women's rights and equality in all spheres of life. The gradual dismantling of institutionalised sexism led to legislative and social changes, including reproductive rights, equal pay, and increased access to education and employment - and yet, in the 21st century, we’re still fighting for these same rights in one way or another. It’s like being dusted with cookie crumbs as a man stands over you devouring the whole fucking thing. 🍪
The Rise of Modern Feminism
The advent of modern feminism brought about a paradigm shift in societal attitudes towards gender roles. Women, for the most part, are no longer confined to traditional domestic roles; they have the freedom to pursue careers, education, and personal ambitions. This newfound autonomy has undoubtedly empowered countless women worldwide, enabling them to break barriers and shatter glass ceilings in countless industries.
However, the liberation offered by modern feminism comes with its own set of challenges. While women now have the choice to pursue careers and ambitions outside the home, they often find themselves grappling with the pressure to maintain traditional roles and expectations simultaneously; while the expectation for men to make this balance more equitable is almost never fulfilled.
The Double Burden
The concept of the double burden refers to the simultaneous responsibilities that many women face: fulfilling traditional gender roles within the household while also pursuing careers and ambitions outside of it. This phenomenon manifests in various ways, from the unequal division of household labour to the emotional toll of balancing work and family life (if there is a family to be cared for).
Despite advancements in gender equality, women continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of domestic duties. Studies consistently show that women spend more time on unpaid caregiving and household chores than their male counterparts, regardless of their employment status. This unequal distribution of labour not only hampers womens’ career advancement but also perpetuates gender inequalities within the home - normalising this inequality and inequity from the inside-out.
Moreover, the pressure to excel in both professional and personal domains takes a toll on women's mental and emotional well-being. The constant juggling act of managing work deadlines, household chores, and familial responsibilities can lead to burnout, stress, and feelings of inadequacy. Women are often expected to effortlessly balance multiple roles without complaint, further exacerbating the strain on their mental health. This is before we even take into account the plethora of women’s mental and physical health issues that come about, or are worsened due to excess stress (depression, chronic fatigue, gut health issues, cardiovascular conditions, and reproductive system conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis).
Implications for Women
The double burden imposed by societal expectations has far-reaching implications for women's lives and livelihoods. Despite their best efforts, many women find themselves struggling to maintain work-life balance, often sacrificing their own well-being in the process. The lack of support systems and resources exacerbates these challenges, leaving women feeling overwhelmed and isolated in their struggles.
Furthermore, the double burden hinders women's professional advancement and economic independence. The time and energy spent on unpaid domestic labour detract from their ability to focus on career development and advancement opportunities. This, in turn, perpetuates gender disparities in the workplace, as women are often overlooked for promotions or leadership positions due to perceived commitments to family responsibilities.
Additionally, the double burden reinforces “traditional” gender norms and stereotypes, perpetuating the cycle of inequality for future generations. Children learn from observing their parents' behavior and attitudes, internalising societal expectations regarding gender roles from a young age. By witnessing their mothers shoulder the bulk of domestic duties, children are socialised to believe that caregiving and homemaking are inherently “feminine” tasks, again, perpetuating the cycle of gender inequality.
Addressing the double burden requires a multi-faceted and intersectional approach that encompasses societal, institutional, and individual levels of change. At the societal level, there is a need for greater awareness and advocacy around gender equality and the redistribution of unpaid labour within the household. Challenging traditional gender norms and stereotypes is essential in fostering a more equitable division of labor and promoting shared responsibility within relationships.
Institutionally, policies and initiatives that support work-life balance, such as flexible work arrangements, paid parental leave, and affordable childcare, are crucial in alleviating the burden on women. Employers must prioritise gender equality in the workplace, implementing policies that promote equal AND equitable opportunities for career advancement and support for working parents.
On an individual level, men must hold themselves accountable for ensuring that they uphold an equatable balance through work and through home. It's essential to communicate openly with partners and family members about expectations and responsibilities within the household, fostering a sense of shared accountability and mutual support.
The issue with making change, is that in all three instances, the responsibility falls to men. Men in positions of power who are able to enact changes in society and changes in policy; but why would they, when they can simply uphold the most “beneficial” values and wash their hands with equity entirely?
In most instances, this seems like a perfectly simple problem: men get over their massive bloody egos and realise that the patriarchy fucks us all. But in other instances, it is a complex and pervasive issue with profound implications for gender equality and social justice. While modern feminism has definitely made strides towards encouraging women to pursue their dreams and aspirations, the persistence of traditional gender norms and expectations continues to hinder progress towards true equality.
By acknowledging and addressing the double burden, society can take a step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive environment where women are free to pursue their passions and aspirations without sacrificing their well-being and autonomy. Hopefully this won’t take us another two centuries.