Woman's Fight for Women's Rights

For centuries women have been treated like they were beneath men. From the start of civilization, in society, men have had more authority than women. In the mid-19th century this was no different. Women were overlooked in society and were treated more like property than an actual human being. Once a women got married she was her husband's property. In Laws and Practices in The Rights of Women it states the laws and conditions affecting the women of the United States at this time. For example, it states that “ women were not allowed to own property in any state in the United States”,and “women may not vote in any state in the union”.  Other societal norms at this time included that it was improper for a women to speak in public, and men could beat their wife “in order to keep his wife from nagging”, and many other things that we would find unacceptable in today's society. It was believed that the woman's only job was to take care of the home, kids, and her husband, and that they were unfit for anything like politics or starting debates. If a women did have a job it would most likely be a school teacher, but even then they were only paid 30-50% of what men are paid for doing the same job.


Over time women were sick of being treated this way and were ready to fight for their rights; thus creating the Seneca Falls Convention in the fight for women's rights. Out of the Seneca Falls Convention came the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, a document that stated resolutions to the Practices in The Rights of Women. The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions was a very controversial piece, it was the first time women had out-lashed against society, and the declaration got a lot of attention. Reactions to this declaration were both positive and negative. One article in the newspaper the Oneida Whig had a negative and sarcastic response. They responded with statements such as, “If our ladies will insist on voting and legislating, where, gentlemen, will be our dinners and our elbows?” The Oneida Whig is poking fun at the Declaration saying that if women become more involved with society, then who will make their dinner? Not all newspapers reactions were negative, the National Reform had many positive comments on the subject and cheered on the women for making their wants known to the public. The National Reform said that “Their standard is now unfurled by their own hands. The convention of Seneca Falls has appealed to the country.” Society reacted very much like these newspaper articles, some were for and some were against this women’s rights movement. 

Today, in the 21st century, society still reacts differently to men and women but on a less noticeable scale. Women today have the same amount of rights that men have, they can own property, speak in public, and have very important jobs. Women are no longer viewed as solely the care giver and are generally widely respected. Although womens rights have grown immensely, society still judges and subconsciously labels women at times. A Pantene commercial shows this discrimination in how women are viewed differently than men in the same situations.

 

Over the years to course of womens rights have greatly changed to become what women have today. Although the rights of men and women have equalized, society can still label women differently than men.