Belief in traditional gender roles lingers on Hillsdale's campus
'...and women act as the backbone to his provision.'
Jancy Nightingale
Issue date: 1/29/09 Section: Focus
Having it all is easier said than done, especially when gender roles are examined
Carlson said gender roles have been fluctuating from the Industrial Revolution to the 21st century. Today, Carlson believes, "a rethinking is going on," since there are more full-time moms than there were 10 years ago.
Freshman Catherine Simmerer said she believes women should be homemakers.
"In general, that is what God made women for," Simmerer said.
Senior Anna Johnson agreed, and said she felt college prepared women for this role.
"College isn't just a vocation where you're learning skills," Johnson said. "It's forming your mind. I think being a mom is the most important job in the world, and we wouldn't want ill-formed minds."
Carlson agreed.
"A liberal arts education is a wonderful preparation for whatever you do in life."
"It's the best preparation for the future, makes you flexible, also makes you a more interesting person, and it makes you a better citizen," he said
Johnson said she believes each gender has a distinct role.
"Men are more fulfilled as providers, and women act as the backbone to his provision," she said.
Senior Lauren Hildreth said she also believes in gender roles, although in a less strict way.
"I don't believe in a prescribed list of what men are supposed to do and what women are supposed to do," she said. "In marriage, the man and woman are equal in their standing, but not identical in their tasks."
Hildreth said her parents' relationship helped her form these views. Her mom fully maintains the house, including typical maintenance problems.
"My mom jokes that he's a lawyer, but he would never be allowed to fix the dishwasher," Hildreth said.
Simmerer said a woman should provide for her children, particularly by giving them a quality education. She said she appreciated being home schooled, allowing her parents to serve as role models.
"I've always been reading, speaking and thinking at my mom's level," Simmerer said. "For kids to be able to grow up with their parents is a maturing responsibility."
Carlson said gender roles have been fluctuating from the Industrial Revolution to the 21st century. Today, Carlson believes, "a rethinking is going on," since there are more full-time moms than there were 10 years ago.
Freshman Catherine Simmerer said she believes women should be homemakers.
"In general, that is what God made women for," Simmerer said.
Senior Anna Johnson agreed, and said she felt college prepared women for this role.
"College isn't just a vocation where you're learning skills," Johnson said. "It's forming your mind. I think being a mom is the most important job in the world, and we wouldn't want ill-formed minds."
Carlson agreed.
"A liberal arts education is a wonderful preparation for whatever you do in life."
"It's the best preparation for the future, makes you flexible, also makes you a more interesting person, and it makes you a better citizen," he said
Johnson said she believes each gender has a distinct role.
"Men are more fulfilled as providers, and women act as the backbone to his provision," she said.
Senior Lauren Hildreth said she also believes in gender roles, although in a less strict way.
"I don't believe in a prescribed list of what men are supposed to do and what women are supposed to do," she said. "In marriage, the man and woman are equal in their standing, but not identical in their tasks."
Hildreth said her parents' relationship helped her form these views. Her mom fully maintains the house, including typical maintenance problems.
"My mom jokes that he's a lawyer, but he would never be allowed to fix the dishwasher," Hildreth said.
Simmerer said a woman should provide for her children, particularly by giving them a quality education. She said she appreciated being home schooled, allowing her parents to serve as role models.
"I've always been reading, speaking and thinking at my mom's level," Simmerer said. "For kids to be able to grow up with their parents is a maturing responsibility."
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 6
duibeb
posted 2/02/09 @ 1:01 AM EST
Is this what Hillsdale is coming to?
chica
posted 3/13/09 @ 11:03 AM EST
Ugh. This is so gross. I can't beleive there are still people out there who adhere to this crap. Sorry, but I actually want to DO things with my life. (Continued…)
Red
posted 3/17/09 @ 4:11 PM EST
Keep in mind that this is the opinion of the moral MINORITY, even at Hillsdale, most people aren't this hyper-traditional, keep hope. Keep fighting. Ladies, KEEP YOUR JOBS
Keaton
posted 3/24/09 @ 2:45 PM EST
Interestingly enough, no one forced them, or you, to do anything. It's not a fight, if anything this minority get persecuted everywhere for their choice. (Continued…)
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