Women and Economics by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
"Women and Economics" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman presents a critical examination of the socio-economic roles of women in society, arguing for a necessary transformation of their cultural identities. Gilman asserts that women are uniquely dependent on men for survival, which perpetuates a cycle of unpaid domestic labor and reinforces their subordinate status. She discusses how this dependence leads to a skewed distribution of power, leaving women marginalized in the narrative of human progress. Through her analysis, she identifies the traditional roles of women as mothers and nurturers, emphasizing the sacrifices they make and the expectation to pass this identity onto their children. She critiques the notion that caregiving and education are inherently women's responsibilities, suggesting that others can contribute effectively to these roles. Additionally, Gilman reflects on the implications of social and technological changes on women's lives, highlighting that modern conveniences can shift the dynamics of household labor. Ultimately, she advocates for a reimagined role for women, where they can aspire to broader responsibilities beyond the confines of domesticity, positioning them as "world" mothers rather than isolated caretakers. This exploration invites readers to consider the intersections of gender, economy, and societal expectations.
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Women and Economics by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
First published: 1898
The Work
With remarkable insight, Charlotte Perkins Gilman uses social Darwinism as a basis for her discussion of the reform that she views as necessary. Women, she argues, must change their cultural identities. Initially, she points out that humans are the only species that has the female dependent on the male for survival. The economics involved demands that women pay back their debt to men by doing domestic services. In fact, she observes that female activities in general are under the direction of the male. This focus on sexual distinction has in turn led to a strange distribution of power. Women have been left behind while men have claimed credit for all human progress. According to Gilman, women have traditionally fulfilled the role of mother and martyr and as such are expected to make sacrifices. In turn, the mother passes this role on to her children, so that there is a continuation of the image of female as unpaid worker and nurturer. Gilman maintains that women have been stunted in their personal and creative growth. In other words, the social order is unnatural.
Gilman goes on to reflect about the strange social ratio that results in more children for those who can least afford them and few children for women who have an abundance of wealth and household help. In the agricultural age, more children meant more workers to assist with the crops. In the industrial age, more children mean more need for the mother to work harder to care for them and provide them with necessities. The role of women is dual: They must give birth and nurture, and they must be educators. The mother naturally assumes the task of the child’s first teacher. There is no proof, however, that women who sacrifice all to be caregivers and educators will produce better children. Others can assist her in these roles or perhaps accomplish them better. Ideally, women can desire home and family life, but they should not have to assume the complete responsibility in these arenas. Many conveniences exist to improve the home. Modern inventions make cleaning the home a more social activity that can be shared by family members. As cooking becomes more socialized, other members outside the household often share in its preparation and serving. With all of these advanced technologies, the privacy of the home is sacrificed. While this is a negative result, the positive outcome may be that the mother becomes a “world” mother rather than a household servant.
Bibliography
Lee, Vernon. “The Economic Dependence of Women.” In Critical Essays on American Literature, edited by Joanne Karpinski. Boston: G. K. Hall, 1992.
Mager, Lois N. “Darwinism and the Woman Question: The Evolving Views of Charlotte Perkins Gilman.” In Critical Essays on Charlotte Perkins Gilman, edited by J. B. Karpinski. Boston: G. K. Hall, 1992.