Womens Roles Then and Now - Essay Example

Women’s Roles Then and Now 1. Biographical information for each woman Abigail Addams: Women have come a long way in their development. For instance as a woman of the 18th century I was born in November 11, 1744 in Massachusetts and was the second born of Reverend William and Elizabeth Quincy Smith. I got married to John Adams a lawyer and we got two daughters and three sons. I gained my education in Mount Wollaston while living with my grandmother. Following the American Revolution, I was left alone by my husband to run the house for ten years. I later joined my husband in Paris where we stayed for eight months and later went to London for three years. Later we returned to the US in 1788 where john Adams served as vice president and later as a president. Many people know me as a friendly and pleasant individual according to Gelles (1995). I always showed commitment to politics and federalism through the support I gave to my husband. As woman I would express my opinions both in private and public without any fear as I was a keen political observer, creative writer and prominent first lady. Jane can you tell us about your self as a woman of the 19th century? Jane Addams: I grew up in Cedarville, Illinois as a daughter of a wealthy man and a gracious and kind mother. I wished to pursue medicine but this brought a lot of controversy in MY family because they became worried that I might not get married. As a result I was taken to Europe for two years so that I could not pressure my parents to allow me get the degree. However this did not give me a fall down, I foresaw WWI IN 1915 in my attempts to prevent war by organizing the Women’s Peace Party and the international Congress of Women .In 1917 I was elected president of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. I am also a founding member of American Civil Liberties Union and a charter member of National Association for the Advancement of Colored people according to Berson (2004). I was the founder of the Settlement House Movement. During the reign of President Franklin Roosevelt, I saw most of the issues I had advocated for being made policies. As a result I received numerous awards including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. 2. The historical status for women in general during the time period in which each woman lived. Abigail Adams: What can u say about the women of the 19th century? Jane Addams: Women of the 19th century experienced a lot and their choices in life were limited. For instance, women of 19th century had no choice on career and most of them lived almost like slaves. Women were so depended on men because all resources belonged to men. An unmarried woman was highly disrespected and attracted social condemnation and pity. Such a woman could neither have children nor cohabit with other men. Girls received less education compared to men and thus they could rarely become professional as stated by Wojtczak (n.d). Women’s major role was to get married and reproduce. Everything that a woman possessed was inherited by her husband upon marriage. On marriage vows the woman was to swear before God and the people that she would obey her husband. How about the women of the 18th century Abigail, how was life then? Abigail Adams: The women of the 18th c were held so much inferior to men. Decision making was all about the man. The role of women was solely getting married and reproducing. Men possessed everything in the home and women would not embark on any task outside reproducing without the consent of their husband. The woman was seen as a man’s property and he could do anything with her. In the 18th c women were not encouraged to get education as this would lead to them lacking husbands. Women were only taught on how to take care of the children and their husbands. Jane what roles do you think women at your lifetime would have played? 3. What opinions each of the women might have on the role the women should play in society during their lifetimes. Jane Addams: Women should have better roles in the 18th century which would develop them. For instance, they should have participated in decision making in their families. Education should have been provided to women as this would help them develop their homes. Giving women work positions would have been a good idea as it would help them participate in development and feel loyal to their country. How about you, what roles do you think best suited women of the 18th century? Abigail Adams: Women in the 19th century would have a better live if education was given to them. Women’s participation in development activities would also be a better role for women for both self and national development as stated by Gelles (1995). Increasing the number of women in national issues would also place the world’s development at a better position today. And in brief what do you think would be the roles of the 21st century women? 4. What each of the women might think about women’s current roles. Jane Addams: Women of the 21st century are far much better placed in as far as social, political and economic issues are concerned. They can choose whether to get married or not and their decisions are respected. They also have access to education to any level one wish’s to reach. Abigail Adams: Yes! The 21st century women are more independent compared to the 18th century women. They are also well educated and can compete for same positions with men. There is much respect for the 21st century women at levels of the society. References Berson, R. K. (2004). Jane Addams: A Biography. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group Gelles, E. B. (1995). Portia: The World of Abigail Adams. Bloomington: Indiana University Press Wojtczak, H. (N.D). Women’s Status in mid 19th century England. Retrieved from http://www.hastingspress.co.uk/history/19/overview.htm Read More