What does this statement imply about a homogenous group of "single
women?" You ask it as though it is a ridiculous question. Ask it in
reverse, "how many single men do you know who would keep dating a woman
whose main ambition was to be a stay-at-home mom?" How ridiculous does
that sound? It sounds pretty common-- traditional and patriarchal, but
pretty common.
Whatever your response to the e-mail, this message got nothing across but
sexist stereotyping. Women do get little credit for raising children. This
is why childcare is so undervalued in society: women are primarily
responsible. What is identified as female and feminine in a social
structure that does not value women is devalued. If more men stayed at home
with the children, taught elementary education, day care, the value and the
pay would increase.
Alexa Adamo
Women's Studies Graduate Student
Georgia State University
gs09ama@panther.Gsu.EDU