ldren is the indirect cost - the cost of the mothers time (p. 295). A rise in feminism is credited for being another strong influence in womens lives. Feminism movements, with emphasis upon educational and vocational achievements for women, seem to encourage departure from traditional sex roles which were chiefly organized around marriage and children, and toward more extensive careers for women, especially those who are well educated (Becker). Even though not all young women label themselves feminists, the idea that women can and should have aspirations other than wife and mother has been widely accepted (Unger & Crawford, pg. 364). While it is true the womans movement has made significant progress in its attempt to equalize opportunities, the situation continues to be blatantly unjust. It has been said that marriage diminishes man, which is often true; but almost always it annihilates woman (Casler, p. 30). Women, struggling to rise above the housewife role, have a strong desire to be valued for some of the same qualities men are valuedfor: ambition, intelligence, and independence. Unfortunately, subservient status of the married woman is deeply embedded in history. Conventional matrimony is seen by some to be a major stumbling block in the path toward womens liberation (Casler, pg. 177). Modernization has inevitably led to the growth of individualism with its emphasis on the importance of self fulfillment as opposed to the subordination of individual needs (Oppenheimer). As a result, women not only are beginning to lead less traditional lives, but are also increasingly tolerant of differences in life styles among others (Becker). The old status order that granted men a privileged position in the family is crumbling. Proponents of womens empowerment have emphasized the effect of womens education and income on their decision making authority within the household (Lundberg & Pollack, 1996). Policies that empower women have been...
