Introduction
A family is a basic unit in society without which society would be non-existent. Marriage is imperative in the growth of a society, as through it, the family is built. One of the key purposes of marriage is procreation, which ensures the proliferation of society by bringing new individuals who contribute to its development. In the modern world, the institution of marriage and the issue of motherhood have experienced challenges due to changes in perception. This essay discusses the challenges that have affected motherhood, reproduction, and marriage.
The role of mothers
According to Crittenden (28), mothers perform a very significant role in society by rearing children, although they have been disadvantaged and exploited by the predominantly male society. Some mothers sacrifice their careers to bring up their children. The sacrifice notwithstanding, society does not recognize motherhood as an important duty like office-based careers, which explains why the role of a housewife is underrated and is even omitted in the gross domestic product.
The perception of a housewife
My perception of motherhood and particularly that of a housewife has been altered negatively due to a lack of appreciation by society, alongside challenges of exploitation attached to it. Educated women lose a lot of income “mommy tax” when they become mothers, this is because; once they give birth, they are often forced to quit their jobs as their working conditions become intolerable. This kind of exploitation also results from a lack of financial impartiality in marriage. This trend has discouraged many women from having children, where the majority opt to pursue their careers first. (Crittenden 236). Most women do not choose to stay at home as mothers. Some lack responsible caregivers who can bring their children up in upright ways. Though motherhood is admirable, it can be tough and at times involves making several sacrifices to raise children. On the other hand, the mother expects no reward from what she gives to the children. (Simone 484). This describes motherhood to be a non-rewarding task and a venue through which women channel their frustrations by caring for their children. Since time immemorial, motherhood has lacked magnitude within society. Housewives are not esteemed by society and are labeled as indolent people.
High-level self centeredness
Another challenge that has influenced my attitude is the high-level self-centeredness that exists in several marriages. De Beauvoir in The mother says “the curse which lies upon marriage is that too often the individuals are joined in their weakness rather than their strength, each asking from the other instead of finding pleasure in giving” (Simone 23). With such selfishness comes inequality once you realize your differences. For instance, where both the wife and husband are working, the woman often has additional housework to cater for. However, in the recent past, several men no longer hold to such assertive dogmas but instead help with housework. Still, several married women who are full-time housewives are required to be on duty most of the time, and yet their work is unpaid. The man’s paid work is regarded as more valuable than housework. The issue of divorce has also changed my perception of marriage. In a world where divorce rates are high, one is tempted to think that the institution of marriage is a complicated one (Okin 159).
Conclusion
In conclusion, marriage and motherhood are faced with great challenges today which have influenced and molded our views and perceptions about them. These challenges include exploitation of housewives and inequality in marriages among others. We must change our line of thought to accommodate and appreciate the only sources of human prolificacy we have marriage and mothering.
Works Cited
Crittenden, Ann.The price of motherhood: Why the most important job is still the Least valued. New York: Henry Holt Company, 2001. Print.
Okin, Susan..Justice, Gender and the Family. USA: Princeton University press, 1991.
Simone. B. “The mother” n.d. New York: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Print.