Radical feminists such as Dobash and Dobash also disagree with Willmott and Young’s theory that the family is symmetrical. They believe there are inequalities in the power relations between men and women so they see family
“Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if could.” –Abigail Adams In this quote Abigail Adams was stepping up for women to put a stop to their inequality for fairness and equality. She was an advocate for many women who are out there married with no education nor rights. She wanted them to be capable of standing on their own feet without hesitation or discourage towards their husbands. Abigail Adams believed women should be educated and be recognized for their intellectual capabilities, so they could guide and influence the lives of their children and husband instead of being companions.
‘Women must creep’ (Elaine R. Hedges) illustrates the thought that women shouldn’t be heard, but do only what they’re required to do, reinforcing how women were demeaned. The lack of power women had was not only present within their marriage, but also in society as males were perceived as the more significant gender, so women were patronised and dismissed by patriarchal control. Patriarchal control is represented clearly by John, the protagonist’s husband, which increases complexity within the novel as the isolation and ‘The resting cure’ he enforces upon her, causes her mental state to degenerate further, despite John believing it is helping his wife. There are a number of methods used to increase the characters complexity in The Yellow Wallpaper. For example, the use of epistolary displays a 1st person narrative and is in the present tense, “I never used to be so sensitive.” This is present when the protagonist writes to herself, Gilman uses this technique in order to show the
The use of a possessive apostrophe emphasises the point even further that she belongs to him and he controls her, although she can try to push the boundaries of society's rules and expectations, he will always be there to stop her as she is dominated by him. Much like many women in 1930's America who had a lack of importance as they were male dominated. Women held little respect during this era, they had no choice, no voice and no right to vote, they were categorised along with the insane and children. In the
Adams continues his onslaught of anti-matriarchal values and sexism by upholding “his commitment to the social hierarchy…based on the belief that women along with other disenfranchised groups must remain subordinate because they lack the capacity for reason, and therefore, for the responsible use of liberty” (Martin 332). His wife, Abigail Adams, resorts to feebly admitting and even pleading, “That your sex are naturally tyrannical is a truth so thoroughly
It portrays Jane’s resentment of the fact that her opinion is of no or little importance in true society. Although Jane feels hard done by she still holds to the social view that she must conform to her husbands will and wholly disregard her own views, no matter how much she wishes to be forthright the doubt is there, “But what is one to do?” Jane’s inability to conform to the normal ways of behave for someone of her gender and social standing result in her having to involuntary, for it is the will of her husband, rest cure where she is allowed to do nothing, which leads to a socially unsolicited outcome. “”I’ve got out at last,” said I “in spite of you and Jane.”” Here it advocates that Jane has formed a separate individuality that has been inhibited, by social stereotypes, from coming to light but is now given the chance to be free. This freedom is also presented with the use of imagery of animalistic characteristics, “I kept on creeping just the same”, where Jane has become imprisoned. Jane is trying to conform to society’s ideals and values but wants to be freer.
The practice of polygamy distorts the meaning of marriage. Goodman says that "defenders argue that polygamous marriages are freely entered, freely left, well protected by law or custom" (pg 90). I believe this type of marriage is wrong for the women involved and it breaks down the institution of marriage. The women are denied the intended bond they are to have with a husband. Not being able to have this bond disables her trust and intimacy with her husband, these are meant to strengthen a relationship and marriage.
This predicament is stated in Laws 159, 163, and 164 in The Code of Hammurabi. This is clearly not fair to the women in the relationship because they have no say in the relationship. Women were not allowed to make a decision on their husband while males grooms were allowed to not only choose who they get married to but to change their minds as
This male dominated society demanded that women should not indulge in any form of intellectual, imaginative or creative interests and should be contended with being a wife, mother and homemaker. She has brought to light the suffering of a woman at the hands of the rest cure and has said herself that the purpose of writing this story was “not intended to drive people crazy, but to save people from being driven crazy”
For example, Antigone seems to be impervious toward Creon’s misogynistic ways; however, her sister, Ismene, is seen to be internalizing the idea that women are insignificant compared to men. We see the impact that this sexist culture has on Ismene when she tells Antigone, “We must remember that by birth we’re women, and, as such, we shouldn’t fight with men. Since those who rule are much more powerful, we must obey in this and in events which bring us even harsher agonies… Since I’m being compelled, I will obey those in control. That’s what I’m forced to do. It makes no sense to try to do too much” (77-85).