Sexism in Society - Essay Example

Women were housewives and their sole purpose in life was to please their man and do as he pleases. They essentially lacked basic rights and chained to the circumstances of their lives. They usually did not even get a say in who their husband is going to be, as their husband was chosen for them by their husband. They basically moved straight away from their fathers' house to their husband's house, never being truly free to do as they please.A change has happened in the 20th century when in the 1920s millions of people in the US migrated from the countryside to cities, where more modern views were held and practiced.

This was a pre-step in getting more acknowledgment, freedom and equal treatment. Later on, in the 1930s and 1940s, as World War 2 raged on and resources and manpower were low, women were incorporated in the labor, preparations, assistance of the soldiers in the frontlines and at home. They were given primary positions which were very important to the remainder of the war. Their positions were mainly those of nurses, seamstresses, food suppliers and many other positions traditionally associated with women, but it was a big leap when they were incorporated in the war effort because until then it wasn't allowed.

The totality of the war actually brought about their incorporation in the war, and sometimes even in crucial positions. After the war had ended, women realized that if they were good enough to help the war effort and do their jobs just like men did, why shouldn't they be able to do these things and other things in their everyday lives? The movement of the liberation of women began to sprout. Women claimed that if they were good enough to participate in the war effort and do their jobs exactly like men, they should also be able to do any job in real life and be acknowledged as equal to men.

They also stated that without their help, the soldiers wouldn't have their supplies, their clothing, their medical assistance and so on. This notion of gender equality continued to increase in supporters until eventually, in the 1960s, the sexual revolution truly emerged, and in the decade of free love, equality and freedom, women rights and their status in society were truly fought for and eventually won (Macionis, *).Even so, sexism is still evident today and is quite common. Women still don't get equal right as men, they are still discriminated against in various places, including the workplace where they earn less money than men for the exact same job.

Unlike before, women now have basic rights- they can vote, they can choose what to do with their lives, their much freer. But unfortunately, it is still very common for women to be harassed, bothered by men who yell obscene things to them or whistling at them with a sexual intention. Women honor and dignity are still being attacked by some, as some men still view women in the traditional way and claim that they should stay at home and take care of the children and house. Some still say "women should remain in the kitchen, where they belong" and perceive women in this Neanderthal view of being the ones solely responsible on "female chores" in the house and childrearing.

Even today, a woman will most likely get rude comments, whistles and fervent looks from men, especially if they are dressed in a sexy or a bit provocative way, which is something which will never (or hardly ever) happen to men. Clearly, sexism is still quite rampant in today's modern and westernized society, not to mention their inferior status in eastern and backward countries. Obviously, sexism must be dealt with and eliminated from the face of the planet, just like every other discrimination against a group or a minority in the world.

This will advance our society and make it a more liberal and reformed one. ReferencesMacionis, J.J (*). "Society: The Basic", tenth edition.