I previously posted on a study which seemed to suggest that while feminism’s professional triumphs are undeniable (and, for many, a correction to an unbiblical diminishing of talents and skills through a distorted perspective grounded in male oppression) it has not come without its ill consequences. Greater societal expectations for juggling work and family have, for many, caused greater stress (not to mention a greater sense of fatigue and failure for not being able to “do it all” and “do it all well”).
Writing for the Seattle Times, syndicated columnist Ellen Goodman shoots back on the conclusion that feminism’s progress has been coupled with a greater level of unhappiness. But oddly, while combative, she seems to accept the basic premise. Her conclusion:
Going forward to the past won’t bring a grin to our lips — excuse me, a self-reported sense of well-being to our database. Happiness is a pretty elusive state and an even more elusive research subject. We are, as they say, happy as our least happy child, worried as the idea of Iran with a nuclear weapon, and insecure as our retirement fund. As for linking happiness and social history, today’s flight attendant isn’t going to wake up every morning and assess her own well-being in comparison to her 1970s predecessor any more than I wake up grateful not to walk four miles in the snow to school. It doesn’t work that way.
Feminism made me happy? Not, I assure you in a permanent state of good cheer. It opened doors. It opened our eyes — to everything including what still needs to be done. The women’s movement never promised us a rose garden or a warm bath of contentment. It offered a new way to understand the world, a lens on injustice and a tool to use in the pursuit of happiness. It’s a work in progress.
That’s happiness? Close enough.
Huh? Perhaps I’m missing something, but she seems to be acknowledging the point, and instead redefining happiness as the willing, glad preference of the current status quo. What would she say to women who feel more of a burden to be breadwinners because their husbands are less committed to providing? What would she say to women who feel pressure to advance professionally, even though their deepest longings center around having and caring for a family? What would she say about today’s crass sexual objectifying and exploitation of women in the media and entertainment industry? Read it for yourself.