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Jillian Archer
English 102
Professor Mcnett
25 February 2024
Feminist Viewpoints, Inferiority, and the Decline of Marriage
Marriage has long been regarded as a sacred institution between two individuals, legally
and emotionally uniting a man and woman to celebrate love. According to the CDC, the
marriage rate in the United States hit a record low of 6.5 per 1,000 population in 2018, marking a
6% decrease from the previous year. Additionally, nearly 800,000 divorces or annulments
occurred (Curtain). Since the 1970s, the popularity of getting married has been decreasing. This
has led to a debate on whether this change has occurred due to the rise of feminism, which has
challenged traditional gender roles and norms along with the matriculated values of patriarchy.
Coinciding with the declining marriage rates in the 1970s came the emergence of the second
wave of feminism. Different from the first wave, where women fought for equal rights under the
constitution, the second wave caused massive social change, and women began to reject the
stereotypical roles; they looked instead to redefine themselves, refusing to be anymore confined
to the "women's sphere" or the "cult of domesticity."
This research paper will explore the effect of the three waves of feminism over the past century
and how their differing perspectives and emerging ideas may have contributed to the current
marriage rate in the United States. These ideologies include the belief that women can have it all,
gender equality, and efforts to reject and dismantle societal oppression and patriarchal structures
that perpetuate inequality by looking at the philosophical perspectives of men. According to this
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research, the decline in marriage rates reflects individuals prioritizing personal growth and
development over conforming to societal expectations, which aligns with feminism's emphasis
on autonomy. No longer must a woman be forced to marry to enjoy a family because “a rising
share of births are to mothers who are not married, meaning that marriage is no longer seen by
many as the only gateway to parenthood” (Cohn).
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
The emergence of feminism in Western society during the 1800s is widely recognized because of
the changing dynamics of interpersonal relationships and social status brought about by the
Industrial Revolution. The increased participation of women, including mothers, in the
workforce and heavy migration to cities allowed women to break away from traditional pursuits
such as being a housewife and mothers. Alternatively, women took on educational and
independent avenues. Wars, household instability, loss of husbands, and low economic status
further compelled women to enter the workforce, intensifying the feminist movement's initial
focus on voting rights and the fundamental rights of women to have a voice in the society they
bear the children for. (Hartman, pp.207-213)
Over time, the movement has undergone second and third waves, becoming increasingly
inclusive of all genders and progressively challenging patriarchal norms. The central objective of
the feminist movement has become one that looks to create alternative non-patriarchal structures
and traditions, even recalibrating the most deeply ingrained societal ideals such as marriage and
family. Today, the feminist movement has also embraced intersectionality and identity politics,
multiple identities, and gender fluidity while acknowledging that oppression in all its forms
affects everyone.
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Philosophical Indoctrination. The concept of marriage has evolved and now includes a broader
range of relationships beyond the traditional union between a man and a woman. Historically,
patriarchal societies have viewed men as providers and women as creators, which has resulted in
the dynamics between the sexes being primarily determined by the institution of marriage.
Marriage then, it can be said, gave men control to be primary authors of history, which means
that the representation of women in literature, mythology, and the arts has been limited until the
twentieth century to the voices of men (Kreps, 1972, p.45). This has led to an imbalance in
perspectives and promoted the notion that women are inferior.
An ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, wrote about women in his book "Politics." He
claimed that women were "afflicted with a natural defectiveness" and could only understand their
natural ability (Aristotle, 1905, p.22). This statement is sexist and may reflect a prescribed
defectiveness rather than a natural one, especially since it comes from the perspective of a man.
Aristotle's claims suggest that the naturalness of women is not due to biology but instead learned
ritual myths propagated by philosophers and proponents like himself, who promoted the theory
that women are not born equal through literary works such as his.
One may now allude to the notion that Aristotle developed theories to distinguish
between the sexes because he felt inferior to women. This feeling of inferiority may have been
the catalyst that led men to uphold the illusionary doctrine of patriarchy, as seen in Aristotle's
book Politics, to control women. As a result, women have often been relegated to inferior
positions, not because they wanted to, but perhaps because they were unaware of the meaning of
inferiority as defined by men.
RISE OF FEMINISM VIEWPOINTS
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The following includes a summary of feminism's long and fascinating history that has impacted
every person on this modern earth.
Waves of Feminism. The roots of feminism can be traced back to the first organized feminist
event in the United States, which took place in Seneca Falls, New York, in July 1848. Elizabeth
Cady Stanton was a leading advocate for change, particularly women's right to vote. The
attendees of this event were predominantly white, middle-class women who sought gender
equality and agency rather than complete independence from social norms or traditions. They
wanted a seat at the table, just as black men did during this era. The suffrage movement gained
support from Frederick Douglass, a prominent black abolitionist who declared “right is of no
sex” in his opening phrase of Douglass’ North Star (Quarles). This echoed the passing of the
14th Amendment, which granted equal rights to black men but not the right to vote. When the
15th Amendment was proposed to give black men the right to vote, the suffrage movement
refused to support it, demanding their equality foremost. This caused a rift between the two
groups despite their shared experiences of oppression and the short-lived partnership between the
two groups. Eventually, the 15th and 19th Amendments were passed, granting voting rights to
women and black men. Although this did not immediately grant them more power or agency, it
was a crucial step towards greater equality for both the antislavery movement and Feminism.
The second wave of feminism, which took place from the 1960s to the mid-1980s, was a
significant movement in the history of women's rights. Several decades after women were
granted the right to vote, the aim was to fully integrate them into American political, social,
employment, and economic spheres. During this time, women recognized that the first wave of
feminism had not adequately accounted for the experiences of marginalized groups, including
black women. Ultimately, the second wave of feminism helped to highlight that women are not a
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monolithic group but individuals with unique goals, beliefs, and experiences. As a result, the
movement changed and was marked by the emergence of intersectionality, black feminists,
radical feminists, and social feminists, among others. These groups formed around specific
beliefs and values, reflecting the diversity of women's experiences and identities.
Emerging in the early 2000s, the third wave of feminism expanded into political activism
that inclusively fought for the civil liberties of women and all genders. Because of the rise in
social media use and being in the first technological era, the movement grew exponentially and
captured the attention of younger generations who, at the time, supported LGBTQA+ values and
gender deconstruction. The women identifying at this time as feminists have benefitted much
from the accomplishments of the first and second waves, but themselves were critiqued for the
movement as well. This wave then focused on supporting the rights of groups and individuals
working toward gender, race, economic, and social justice issues.
Lastly, the fourth wave of feminism remains contested in motivations in all directions,
suggesting that today’s movement has become overly complicated and extremely broad in
subjectivity, focusing on gender asymmetry and post-modern and post-colonial feminism. This
feminist wave is characterized by a forward-thinking approach that promotes inclusivity,
diversity, and equality. By embracing genderless humans, using technology to advance
advocacy, and emphasizing intersectionality and transnationalism, this movement brings people
from all walks of life together globally.
Branches of Feminism. The feminist movement has been striving to eradicate gender inequality
since its inception. However, the various branches and factions of feminism have differing
approaches to achieving cultural and economic equality. This is likely why the second wave of
feminism led to the emergence of new factions of women, who united under various branches.
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Unlike the traditional libertarian feminists who founded the movement for individual rights,
women were increasingly empowered in the second wave to align with collective identities about
race, religion, culture, nationality, gender, and class that suited each personal goal. The only
problem with splintering factions of the movement was that each came with pros and cons, and
intersectional feminism only complicated it. So, while the beginning of feminism catered to
middle-class women fighting for civil liberties, the second wave brought on women from
marginalized groups, those with low socioeconomic status.
Libertarian feminists, or those who seek changes within current structures, believed
discrimination prevented equal opportunities, and the socialization equally harmed both men and
women into traditional roles that created rigid expectations. These women believed that sex
discrimination and equal pay acts would satisfy the injustices, so winning the right to vote,
obtaining a no-fault divorce, and securing property rights were the most significant achievements
of the first wave of feminism. However, during the 1960s, women’s expectations changed, and
women took on the chore of writing their history and reevaluating their goals.
The ideology of the radical feminist incorporates the notion that true equality cannot be
achieved by solely blaming capitalism but by radically reordering the systemic oppression of
women. Looking for strategic change, radical feminists believe society is patriarchal, and men
are the ruling class in the hierarchy because of longstanding sexist ideals such as violence, rape,
pornography, and other derogatory behaviors that helped men maintain power over women,
including a society built on the oppression of women. Radical feminists challenged the structures
of patriarchy and continued their collective focus on the destruction and reconstruction of all of
society’s institutions and structures built by men. Whereas most feminists have been said to want
a piece of the pie, radical feminists want to throw the pie instead away because it is rotten. From
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an alternative viewpoint point, this may sound unequal. Furthermore, if society were to be
flipped according to these radical views, a future society where men are subjugated would look
plausible.
Critical of the traditional gender roles and behavior that were imposed on women, radical
feminists blamed men for reinforcing these stereotypes. This led to the emergence of a separatist
attitude towards the sexes. During its inception, radical feminism was viewed as a progressive
and liberal movement ahead of its time. Therefore, it was initially considered the most extreme
form of feminism. However, as the ideas and values of the movement have become more
mainstream in contemporary times, it is now recognized as an essential and influential
movement. However, ironically, the principles of radical feminism that were once deemed too
far-fetched for society in the 1960s now form the backbone of the post-modern feminist
discourse we know today called neoliberal feminism. Critiques of this new wave have led to
many classifying neoliberal feminism as an “exclusionary one, because the agenda reifies white
and class privilege and heteronormativity, lending itself to neo-conservative and xenophobic
agendas.” (Banet)
SHIFTING PRIORITIES OF FEMINISM
The feminist movement has undergone significant changes, bringing about a major shift in
women's lives, mainly single mothers. While the movement aims to promote gender equality and
empower women, some people may view the rise of single women as a threat to traditional
family values or a sign of social dysfunction. Nevertheless, the goals of feminism have granted
women the freedom to make their own choices, be it pursuing a career, starting a family, or
remaining single. While acknowledging the importance of the US Constitution, it is also true that
the law of the land is shaped by the morality and values of its people. Hence, although feminism
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has played a significant role in breaking glass ceilings and enabling women to achieve their full
potential, it is also essential to recognize the judicial system's role in reflecting society's needs
and values. In other words, even without the feminist movement, social justice would have
continued to evolve and progress for the better of all people.
The primary goal of feminism has been to create a world where women have the freedom and
power to make their own choices and lead fulfilling lives. However, there are instances where
the movement can create new issues and advocate for goals that may not align with its original
objectives and priorities. While some individuals may believe that the birth rate is declining, it is
fluctuating and even surpassing previous years' rates despite a reduction in the number of
marriages.
Feminism and Marriage. According to Marxist feminists, “the existence is determined in terms
of money,” implying that money determines power, thus giving one person, the man, and the
provider, the upper hand (Hartman, 2020, p. 209). Before women left the house to join the
workforce, the economics of a stratified society determined the futures of men and women. Both
feminists today and of yesteryear would consider the terms women were given historically to be
oppressive. However, modern women may have a different take on feminism than the
progressive neoliberal views that dominate today's discussion. This is especially true if they
identify with radical feminism.
It has been observed that the second wave of the Feminist movement and the sudden
decline in marriage rates in the 1970s share a strong connection. The movement has brought
about social changes that have significantly transformed the way Americans perceive the
institution of marriage. Some of these changes include the elimination of gender roles, the belief
that women can have it all, and the rejection of traditional social norms. These factors have
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empowered women to redesign their lives but have also challenged religious and patriarchal
structures that have historically perpetuated inequality. The changes in the landscape of marriage
and relationships have been significant, leading to an evident decline in marriage rates.
Differing opinions. Sarah Palin, a Republican politician, acknowledges and appreciates the
hardships endured by women in the past who fought for gender equality. However, she does not
share the same views as mainstream feminism, and her values are often criticized. As a
conservative woman, it may be assumed that she adheres to traditional gender roles, but the
contemporary feminist conservative values she identifies with prioritize marriage and family,
aligning more with first-wave feminism. Unfortunately, such struggles are not uncommon as the
feminist movement expands its objectives, creating dissent and confusion among women who
feel unrepresented.
Throughout history, the feminist movement has undergone significant changes as
women's issues continue growing in number and complexity. These issues encompass a wide
range of concerns, such as discrimination, childcare, sex education, sexual freedom, sexism in
the media, and domestic violence, among others. While some may view Sarah Palin's views as
undermining the movement, it is crucial to recognize that she identifies with early liberal
feminists who paved the way for modern feminism. These pioneers advocated for women's rights
by joining political avenues, building organizations, and advocating for women's issues during
the first wave of feminism. Thanks to their efforts, modern feminists have a platform in today's
economic sector. Essentially, the foundation laid by liberal feminists has led to establishing a
platform that modern feminists continue to build upon today. The emergence of feminism did not
intend to challenge traditional gender roles and power dynamics, but relationships have become
more egalitarian over time.
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THE MODERN WOMAN
Today, women sometimes earn more than their partners, which can challenge the integrity of
society. Radical feminists believe that dismantling the system is the only way to change these
dynamics, but this may not be entirely accurate or necessary. The growing acceptance and
promotion of differing alternative lifestyles, including single-parent families and same-sex
families, have persisted for decades without having to destroy society to achieve the goals.
However, one question that remains important to both men and women alike is the issue of
marriage and having a partner without feeling pressure to prioritize individualism over
partnership. Furthermore, this infers that the goals of feminism are different for everyone, but
ultimately, everyone is impacted by the choices of others because each changes the dynamics of
our existence.
Contributions to Capital. According to the statistics within the BLS spotlight statistics,
throughout the past few decades, women's involvement in the labor market has increased
significantly, with more women pursuing higher education and earning degrees at a rate double
that of men. Furthermore, from 1970 to 2019, the proportion of women ages 25 to 64 in the labor
force who held a college degree quadrupled, whereas the proportion of men with a college
degree slightly more than doubled” (Toosi and Morisi). The rapid rise in women’s labor force
participation was a significant development in the labor market during the second half of the
20th century. Overall, participation in the women’s labor force increased dramatically from the
1960s through the 1980s. Women's earnings have also increased; however, despite what may
look optimistic, the emotional and financial burden of raising a family alone may be
counterproductive.
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The growing number of women in the labor force shows that women contribute capital to
the economy. Still, initially, it could be said that providing children and bearing children, in
general, was the primary capital contribution from women, which gave women security. Women
did not get paid for this and continued to do unpaid labor at home, still related to cleaning,
cooking, and childcare, while now having to go into the world to make a living and become
providers. Dalla Costa suggests that women at home create surplus value and that housework
under patriarchy is waged work. One thing feminism forgot was the hidden “double day work”
women deal with (Hartman, 2020, p. 208). Thus, since patriarchy and capitalism are one entity,
the only way a woman could lead the struggle against capital would be to disengage from
housework and demand wages. Even worse, the more women work, the more they embolden
both patriarchy and capitalistic ideals.
Life expectancy. Marriage has been connected to better physical and mental health and a longer
lifespan (Jia). During the second wave of feminism, life expectancy increased, though the growth
was more significant in men than women then. However, today, men and women have similar
life expectancies, which may indicate that feminism has helped enhance women's healthcare
autonomy. It is also possible that gender stereotypes passed down over thousands of years have
contributed to the belief that women are more emotional than men. Currently, women have more
of a voice, even if not equal, and access to resources such as healthcare and jobs that pay decent
wages, contributing to their overall health. Additionally, institutions such as hospitals have
started taking women's complaints more seriously than they did in the past.
Birthrates. Women have been told since the inception of feminism's second wave that they could
“have it all.” But what about the children? A declining marriage rate would likely lead people to
believe a decline in births would also be present, but between 2021 and 2022, there has been a
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1% rise in births (Martin). Single women's autonomy has grown exponentially since the second
wave of feminism because more women are choosing to remain unmarried for more extended
periods or put off marriage altogether. This has led to a greater emphasis on empowering single
women and ensuring that they have access to the resources and support they need to live fulfilled
lives on their terms, which include incorporating children into their lives but putting off marriage
until later in life, focusing on career goals and self-fulfillment instead. Therefore, feminism’s
impact on single women may not be as detrimental as one may think. Alternatively, it may be
how women can eventually “have it all” (Brown).
Potential for Failure If we trace back to the origin of patriarchy, we can see that it was intended
to keep women in check. As argued by Roman consul Marcus Porcius Cato, the fear was that if
women were “allowed to become equals, they would eventually surpass men.” However, it is
essential to remember that one theory often leads to the propagation of another, and there may be
blowback as a result. Feminists should be aware of this potential outcome.
CONCLUSION
Throughout history, marriage has been viewed as an unequal partnership that objectifies women
based on their relationship to men. Feminism has, over time, challenged this view and
recognized that women's oppression is deeply rooted in the flawed notions of gender roles and
patriarchal institutions. Despite the ongoing struggle for gender equality in countries like
America, where the system is structured to serve a hierarchical society, marriage remains a
priority for people of all genders and proves to create healthier lifestyles. However, today,
women have more reasons than tradition to marry because love should be more important than
division. Understandably, both patriarchy and feminism originate from feelings of inferiority,
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which create a need for doctrines. Understanding the impact of patriarchy and feminism is vital
to living in today's world. However, one perceives it.
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Works Cited
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Banet-Weiser, Sarah, et al. “Postfeminism, Popular Feminism and Neoliberal
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Brown, Helen Gurley. Having It All: Love, Success, Sex, Money, Even If You’re Starting with
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