Essay on Lisa Belkins The Opt-Out Revolution - 1476 Words

I. Synopsis The main argument posed by Lisa Belkin in â€Å"The Opt-Out Revolution† revolves around the multi-faceted issue of women’s involvement and presence in the paid work sector. Belkin argues that the issue of the unequal representation of women in full-time, full-year careers is a culmination of the impact of the maternal wall, the nature of the â€Å"stalled revolution†, and personal life â€Å"decisions† made by women. Throughout her work, Belkin addresses the tangible reality of the maternal wall and it’s impact on women’s ability to climb the corporate ladder, as well as the obstacles it creates for women seeking to re-enter the workforce post-childbirth. Belkin elaborates on the â€Å"stalled revolution† that women and feminists alike are facing†¦show more content†¦There is evidence that these biological, neurological differences could lead to correlating differences in life choices, but to use these as a compreh ensive explanation for the stalled revolution would be radically essentialist and ignore the roles of sociological and environmental factors. The feminist response to the biological explanation for the stalled revolution negates the theory with the idea that â€Å"Biology is not destiny† (Belkin 2003). This idea is pivotal; turning the biological differences between men and women into an overarching belief system is dangerous because as previously stated, it does not account for sociological or cultural explanations of segregation of gender in the workplace. In a sociological or environmental context, there is an implied obligation for women to conform to socialized gender roles. The socialization of these gender roles in young women works to counteract the progress that the feminist movement has made in recent years. Consequently, the impression of Generation Y females is influenced by the notion that personal sacrifices must be made, as a woman, in order to excel in the wor kplace. Likely in part to socialization, and possibly in part to biology, women are implicitlyShow MoreRelated Feminism Essays3962 Words   |  16 PagesEhrenreich to a seemingly brightpanacea: the idea of opt-out feminism. Biological differences and moral inherency aside, women have the unique opportunity to remove themselves from a system that is not built or upon their values, decisions or input or contingent upon their participation. Just say no feminism is an appropriate summation of the thoughts and concerns expressed in Lisa Belkins now-famous article in the New York Times, The Opt-Out Revolution. In her article, published in November 2003Read MoreThe Least Worst Choice : Why Mothers Opt Out Of The Work Place1388 Words   |  6 PagesIn Judith Stadtman Tuckers â€Å"The Least Worst Choice: Why Mothers Opt out of the Work Place† Judith Stadtman Tucker looks at why hard working, intelligent woman are choosing to leave their high end jobs to stay at home with their children. Judith Stadtman Tucker expresses her option that it is nearly impossible to work 40 hours a week, be available on your off hours as well as raise children. I fully agree with Judith Stadtman Tucker’s point of view that it is absurd to have to be at the mercy of your