The Happy Housewife Meets Academia

Feminism, a movement and theory centered on the idea that women should have equal rights to men, has long been a staple in American (and international) politics and culture. There is such a vast array of feminists that it is often difficult to settle on one uniform definition. Therefore, Feminism, like many other social and political ideologies, is comprised of numerous different viewpoints and translations.

The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, located in Texas, recently introduced a new area of concentration into their curriculum. The new addition is homemaking. Students are able to participate in classes such as “Orientation to Homemaking” and “The Value of a Child.”

Interested students must match one specific criterion; they must be female. Men need not apply. Their applications will only meet with rejection.

There is a large controversy surrounding the idea that the program teaches women that advanced homemaking skills are vital to success and happiness in life. Thus, advocates of this belief agree that women would be less inclined to enroll in studies that would earn a substantial income. Therefore, women remain transfixed on traditional gender roles, failing to advance the political and economic position of women in society.

Other individuals view the new addition to Academia as important to feminism. They base their argument on the idea that feminism seeks to give women the option to choose their own path in life. Homemaking is viewed as an active choice on the part of the female student. Therefore, if a woman chooses to enroll in this particular curriculum, she is actively selecting a future for herself.

I see no problem with a woman wishing to become a housewife. The women that do take on this job are often not met with enough respect. Managing a household, children, and a husband is a difficult task. It is no wonder that so many women suffer from forms of depression and anxiety. If you choose to be a housewife, you are deciding to heave a large amount of responsibility for many years.

If a woman wishes to take courses in homemaking, I support the decision. After all, I, as a feminist, personally believe that a woman should be able to make any decision that leads to her personal fulfillment, unless, of course, that choice is immensely harmful to someone other than herself.

The problem I have with this new line of coursework is that men are not able to participate. Due to this fact, I am worried that the coursework presented by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary actually is harmful in that it further instills the vitality of traditional gender roles in American culture.

Furthermore, I am worried that this area of study will not allow a woman the ability to acquire a job—with enough income to support her family—should her husband decide to declare divorce. If a woman with this concentration of study does decide to enter the workplace, I am wary to believe that employers will offer her a suitable salary. In addition, many employers may not take the degree seriously, and in return, will not take the woman seriously.

Overall, I would agree that the course does seem like a step backwards, only because it does not allow men the option to enroll. There are plenty of men that would enjoy the curriculum due to their personal desire to become a homemaker. These men are unjustly treated when they are denied access to education simply because they were born male.

I am skeptical that this area of concentration will also be incorporated into state college curriculum. However, I may be incorrect. With more and more women expressing their desire to be skilled in raising a family, capitalism may dictate that this area of concentration become mainstream. I only hope that women choose the courses because they will find happiness and satisfaction. Not because they are trying to desperately live up to the traditional cultural ideal of femine perfection.

NOTE: I open this topic up for debate. If you are my friend, please do not worry about offending my views. I will still respect and appreciate you.