In an age where freedom is often a buzzword, society still surreptitiously dictates the choices of women. Here are five insidious ways it happens.
The Myth of the Ideal Body
Despite the endless chants of body positivity, the ideal female form remains a moving target dictated by fashion moguls and media moguls. The hourglass figure, the waif, the fit and toned—each era brings a new mold, shackling women under the guise of empowerment. It’s high time we recognize that true liberation comes from embracing diversity, not chasing an elusive silhouette.
The Career Conundrum
Women are told they can be anything, yet when they climb the corporate ladder, they’re labeled as aggressive or neglectful mothers. Society offers a double-edged sword—encouraging career ambition while simultaneously vilifying those who dare to prioritize it over traditional maternal roles. It’s a delicate dance on a tightrope of expectations, where falling means failing both as a professional and as a nurturer.
The Matrimonial Mirage
Marriage, once a simple union, has become a societal benchmark for success. Women are still expected to tie the knot by a certain age, as if their worth is intrinsically linked to their marital status. The notion persists that a woman is incomplete without a partner, a relic of times that should have long passed. It’s a mirage of happiness that often dissipates under the harsh light of reality.
Motherhood: The Ultimate Fulfillment?
Motherhood is often heralded as the pinnacle of female achievement. Yet, for many, the pressure to procreate can be suffocating. Women who choose a different path are often met with pity or disdain, as if their lives are inherently lacking. Society’s obsession with maternal instinct as the ultimate fulfillment denies the rich tapestry of experiences that life offers beyond child-rearing.
The Good Girl Syndrome
From childhood, girls are conditioned to be ‘good’—polite, quiet, and compliant. This conditioning follows them into adulthood, where assertive women are considered troublesome. This societal insistence on demureness stifles women’s voices and perpetuates a cycle of submission. Breaking free requires not just rebellion but a complete redefinition of what it means to be ‘good’.