Women in America - Essay Example

However, the concept of ‘womanhood’ handed down through the ages, prevented them even from understanding that their own frustration, as women had been schooled to think that catering to the needs of the male-ruled world alone was their duty, and that alone can lead to fulfillment; “As a housewife and mother, she was respected as a full and equal partner to man in his world” observes Friedan (p. 1). Friedan goes on to describe the mental torture and torment that women had to undergo because of this conflict in their real emotions as against what they have been schooled to think.

However, the concept of ‘womanhood’ handed down through the ages, prevented them even from understanding that their own frustration, as women had been schooled to think that catering to the needs of the male-ruled world alone was their duty, and that alone can lead to fulfillment; “As a housewife and mother, she was respected as a full and equal partner to man in his world” observes Friedan (p. 1). Friedan goes on to describe the mental torture and torment that women had to undergo because of this conflict in their real emotions as against what they have been schooled to think.

 The important thing in Friedan’s work is that, while implies that women could find better fulfillment, if only they would go beyond the domestic frontiers and the roles imposed on them by the traditionally male-dominated society. Friedan seeks to emancipate womanhood from the ‘gendered’ roles imposed on her sex through work and occupation outside the domestic arena.  While Goldman’s perception of gender relations appears to be stronger and more vociferous. Goldman goes further in the analysis of  ‘feminine mystique’ discussed by Friedan and notes that  “a short period of married life, of complete surrender of all faculties, absolutely incapacitates the average woman for the outside world.

She becomes reckless in appearance, clumsy in her movements, dependent in her decisions, cowardly in her judgment, a weight and a bore, which most men grow to hate and despise”. However, Goldman scorns marriage itself, as it is defeating in all ways.. 1). Friedan goes on to describe the mental torture and torment that women had to undergo because of this conflict in their real emotions as against what they have been schooled to think. The important thing in Friedan's work is that, while implies that women could find better fulfillment, if only they would go beyond the domestic frontiers and the roles imposed on them by the traditionally male-dominated society.

Friedan seeks to emancipate womanhood from the 'gendered' roles imposed on her sex through work and occupation outside the domestic arena. While Goldman's perception of gender relations appears to be stronger and more vociferous. Goldman goes further in the analysis of 'feminine mystique' discussed by Friedan, and notes that "a short period of married life, of complete surrender of all faculties, absolutely incapacitates the average woman for the outside world. She becomes reckless in appearance, clumsy in her movements, dependent in her decisions, cowardly in her judgment, a weight and a bore, which most men grow to hate and despise" (Marriage and Love 3-4).

However, Goldman scorns marriage itself, as it is defeating in all ways; she says "The institution of marriage makes a parasite of woman, an absolute dependent." (M&L 1) She partially holds women responsible for their subjugation and hampering their own emancipation, "The woman considers her position as worker transitory, to be thrown aside for the first bidder" (Goldman 3).Furthermore, Goldman criticizes the other institutions like religious bodies and the state for burdening women in various ways form which they seek emancipation, "because woman recognizes the awful toll she is made to pay to the Church,