Gender Empowerment: The Social Role of Women - Essay Example

That is the main reason why men that have several wives or mistresses are morally accepted in these types of cultures (Haeberle). Another issue tackled was the misconception concerning the fitness of women which also relates to the role that they should take as mothers. For example, the bulimia case of Akiko was disregarded, was overlooked as an excuse to laziness in eating food to make her healthy and conceive. The fact that bulimia is a crucial health and psychological concern was never given importance by culture and consequently made her feel of no value, “The pregnant one rose slowly when summoned, arching her back with an apologetic smile.

The thin ones kept their eyes and scurried, crablike, out of sight” (79). The author also introduced different facets of the modern women. One of the wives of the week presented in ‘My American Wife!’ was the Beaudroux family from Askew, Louisiana. They adopted different race of kids and had 2 of their own. This exemplifies that today’s society in modern America is now open for an alternative form of raising a family. Adoption and other forms of reproducing are now accepted, nonetheless having a child of different race or color (Haeberle).

In addition, the change in sexual preference in gender roles was noted by introducing the characters of Dyann and Lara. Though some might still find it radical, lesbianism and other forms of sexual preference and orientation is slowly gaining worldwide acceptance. Even the choice of food and lifestyle of the couple (vegetarians) and having kids were a celebration of the choices that both men and women now enjoy regardless of what society dictates. Towards the end. The researcher states that in the present age and a time, where men and women are treated equal, there are still prevailing issues regarding inequality in gender roles especially in other cultures.

The novel “My Year of Meats” by Ruth Ozeki, that was discussed in this essay, presented the different roles that women are expected to play in the society today. Aside from the meat industry background and operations plot, it mainly focused on women’s relationships, motherhood, and the pursuit of self-worth and independence. Towards the end of the novel, Ruth Ozeki indicated positivity towards the ever changing role of women in the society. Conformity imposed by cultural norms was finally surpassed by the main character, Akiko by going to the United States with the help of her friends and raising her child alone, while Jane exposed the bad side of the cattle industry and started a new family.

Gender empowerment, that was clearly presented by Ruth Ozeki consists a clear message: a woman should be strong and independent today as well as respected and treated equally by men. The researcher then concludes that modern women must be given an equal right in education, work, opportunity and everything that a person can achieve. As the main character, Jane concluded in the epilogue on writing a book about the cattle industry, “I live at the cusp of the new millennium. Whatever people may think of my book, I will make it public, bring it to light unflinchingly.

That is the modern thing to do”.