Women’s Self-Assertion

One of the striking developments in contemporary society is the growing sense of self-assertion among women. On the surface, all seems well as women increasingly occupy positions of equality. Indicators, such as the number of women who drive their own cars, show that they are gaining self-confidence and status. Many men help with housework and often look after children. The docile, subservient housewife is increasingly a vanishing species. Almost all younger women and many older ones now wear trousers, particularly the popular jeans. From a distance, it is often difficult to tell whether an individual is a male or a female. The younger generation, particularly those who are now in their teens, are growing up in the new culture. When they establish their families, there may be fewer problems. In the meantime, there is a serious social and psychological disruption in the different strata of modern societies. The markedly affected are those engaged in intellectual and professional activities. In the rural areas and among the poorer classes, the old order is changing slowly but in the upper and middle classes, the transition is rapid. Women’s self-assertion has proceeded the farthest in the U.S.A. The American tradition of individuality provides the basis on which anyone, irrespective of race and sex can assert his or her claim to equality. As an individual, no woman can be denied equal rights with any other