Society is ever-changing, and although we still have a lot of work to do in some areas, over the years, things have gotten progressively better for marginalized people, like these 17 things that women used to care about but no longer have to.
Wearing restrictive clothing
Historically, women were expected to wear restrictive and often uncomfortable clothing like corsets and girdles every day. Modern fashion is more freeing, and today’s clothing for women offers a wider range of choices, emphasizing comfort and personal style over strict societal expectations.
Having a chaperone
Unmarried women often needed a chaperone with them while they attended social events, with USA Today noting “there was a time when restaurants refused to serve women who were not accompanied by a male chaperone”, reflecting the strict codes in place regarding female propriety. Modern women enjoy the freedom to socialize independently.
Marriage for financial security
Historically, marriage was often a financial necessity for women, providing economic security. Over the years, laws and rights changed, and there was a shift towards women achieving financial independence. This allows them to now make lifestyle choices that are not predicated solely on economic security.
Limitations on voting rights
Modern women actively participate in all levels of political processes, reflecting their established right to vote and run for office, but claiming those rights was a long fight for suffrage. While women were restricted from voting, they did not have any say in the world around them or about their own rights.
Restricted education opportunities
Women throughout history faced significant barriers to accessing higher education. However, changes in educational equality over the years have ensured that women now pursue higher education at equal or greater rates than men in many regions. In fact, NBC tells us that more women than men are completing their four-year degrees.
The stigma of divorce
At one time, there was a significant social stigma surrounding divorced women, and it greatly impacted their societal standing. The stigma associated with divorce has diminished, allowing women more freedom in their personal relationships.
Being defined by relationship status
Women were historically defined by their marital status, which influenced their value in society and their personal identities. They were seen as having less value if they were not married by a certain age. Nowadays, women are generally valued for their individual attributes and accomplishments, regardless of relationship status.
Mandatory domestic roles
Traditionally, there was an expectation that women would prioritize domestic roles over professional or personal aspirations; when they got married, they became homemakers. Modern women now have the choice to balance career and personal life choices, with domestic responsibilities being shared more equitably.
Limited career options
Many restrictions once limited women to certain ‘acceptable’ career fields, like teaching and nursing, with a lot of women not being allowed to work once they married, according to History. Now there is a broad spectrum of career options pursued by women, reflecting the significant changes in women’s rights and in professional opportunities.
Dependency on spousal income
Historically, it was normal for women to depend on their spouses for financial support, as women generally had to give up work and become homemakers once they married, and so had no income of their own. Now, women manage their finances independently, contributing equally or primarily to household incomes.
Concealing pregnancy in the workplace
At one time, women had to conceal pregnancies to avoid workplace discrimination or even job loss. However, many legal protections, such as The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, support pregnant women in the workplace, notes A Better Balance, allowing them to maintain their careers without having to hide anything.
Limited access to financial services
Women were historically restricted from accessing credit and financial services independently, needing male approval and permissions for anything like that. Many legislative and societal changes have been put in place over the years to now allow women equal access to financial resources and services.
Not having medical autonomy
In the past, male approval – a husband, a father, etc. – was required in women’s medical decisions. This reflects the broader issues of male control over women’s health. Modern healthcare practices generally support women’s autonomy in making informed decisions about their health without needing consent from a spouse or male relative.
Single parenthood stigma
In the past, there was a huge stigma associated with being a single mother. The mother and her children would be looked down on and ostracized. These days, it is more acceptable in society to be a single mother, and there is a lot more support for one-parent families.
Pressure to have children
Women were traditionally expected, by society as a whole, to marry and have children as soon as possible and prioritize motherhood. Now, it is much more acceptable for women to choose if and when to have children, and there is generally more respect shown for this personal decision.
Remaining silent
Historically, it was normal for women to stay silent in predominantly male settings. Be it in professional or social areas of life, women were expected to be seen and not heard if men were speaking. Women now assert their voices and authority in all areas of life, challenging male-dominated hierarchies.
Handling all of the childcare
Women were once expected to manage all childcare responsibilities, being the sole caregiver in the family at all times. These days most families have a different dynamic, and shared parenting responsibilities reflect the more equal modern family roles.
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