A Century of Gender Inequality
The progression of women’s roles compared to men from the 1900s to now has seen significant changes, especially in India and North America, but gender inequality still remains prevalent. To understand this progression, we can look at the example of my family, which offers a glimpse into the contrasting opportunities and expectations for men and women.
The 1940s-1970s: The Traditional Roles
My father, born in 1945 in India, had 10 siblings—five men and five women. The men of the family grew up to become professionals such as architects, doctors, a principal, a lawyer, and a businessman. The women, however, were expected to become housewives, their potential largely disregarded. This reflects the prevalent societal norms of the time in India, where women’s roles were confined to the home, and they were often denied opportunities for education and career advancement.
The 1970s and Beyond: A Shifting Generation
By the 1970s and beyond, the next generation in my family began to challenge these traditional roles. The children, born in the 1970s and later, including my cousins, began pursuing education in various professional fields such as medicine, dentistry, engineering, and business. Women in this generation, despite being well-educated and successful, still faced societal expectations to prioritize their roles as wives and mothers over their careers. Some women were unable to find work or chose to stay home due to family responsibilities and the patriarchal system, while others, despite their ambitions, struggled to manage both work and home life. These women either experienced burnout or faced difficulties in balancing both spheres, which sometimes led to divorce or health problems from overwork.
The Men’s Advantage: A Lack of Responsibility at Home
On the other hand, the men of my father’s generation, despite being given opportunities due to gender inequality, were able to stay employed without balancing home responsibilities. Even if they had working wives, they often turned a blind eye to the challenges their wives faced in managing both work and home life. Men, thus, were able to dedicate their “extra” time to hobbies or leisure, while women were left to juggle both responsibilities.
The 1980s and Beyond: Women’s Struggles and Societal Pressure
This pattern continued into the 1980s and beyond. While both India and America saw women entering the workforce in greater numbers, they still faced enormous pressure to fulfill traditional roles at home. The feminist movement in America, however, was more successful in challenging gender norms and advocating for women’s rights in the workplace. In contrast, India’s societal norms remained more rigid, with many women expected to dedicate themselves to the family, regardless of their educational achievements.
The Ongoing Imbalance: Women Still Carrying the Burden
Despite progress, the imbalance remains. In my family, the women, despite their success and education, were often expected to sacrifice their own needs and ambitions for the sake of their families. Meanwhile, the men, though successful in their careers, never had to balance home and work responsibilities to the same extent. This reflects a larger societal issue where men, though successful professionally, have not evolved in terms of contributing equally at home. Women, in contrast, continue to bear the brunt of household and caregiving responsibilities, leading to exhaustion and burnout.
A century has passed since my grandmother gave up her dreams. And while my generation may have degrees, bank accounts, and careers, we’re still shackled by expectations. The world doesn’t need more empowered women. It needs more evolved men. So to all the fathers, brothers, husbands, and sons reading this: don’t just support women’s success—enable it.
Because until the house is equal, the world never will be.