Fall is here and midterm examinations are now behind us. I have been able to take a step back from my studies for a moment to contemplate an issue that has been incubating in my mind, an issue that is equally as chilling as the weather. Why do women run my life?
All of my professors are women, and I am beginning to think that there is more going on than my class schedule preferences. Is my concern unjustified and sexist?
I believe it is neither; however I do feel that all students should be aware that the movement for woman’s rights is very active and dynamic both politically and socially, both internationally and at SMU. This is a movement that is both relevant and important for our time.
On the international level, the United Nations Millennium Development Goals have a particular focus on aid to women.
The eight goals, which are supported by all 192 members of the United Nations, seek to cut poverty in half by 2015.
Target 3: “Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education, preferably by 2005, and in all levels of education no later than 2015.”
Target 3a:”Reduce by three quarters the maternal mortality ratio.”
Target 3b:”Achieve universal access to reproductive health.”
On this level it seems foolish to not have a focus on women when considering cutting poverty by half in less than five years. After all, women are the ones who take care of the health and education of the next generation, especially in developing countries.
In making a transition of thought to a local SMU setting, consider Hanna Rosin’s article in The Atlantic titled “The End of Men,” as she asks, “What if equality isn’t the end point? What if modern, post-industrial society is simply better suited to women?”
The facts stated in this article pertaining to college life are that for every two males who get a college degree this year, three females will so the same.
This point hits home with me as I look around my communications class and count six males out of a total of 80 students.
I don’t think that we are simply noticing roles of women in institutions that have been present all along. I think that women have felt like the underdogs for years, and now have the gumption and confidence to step into leadership roles because the positions are particularly suited for a woman’s personality.
In particular a woman is more suited to consider the opinions and attitudes of others. In a classroom setting a woman professor makes learning more interactive, as knowledge in the class is socially constructed.
In general I have observed that men use strength and aggressiveness to achieve their goals, while women will use delicacy and vulnerability to achieve theirs.
Much still has to be done before women are seen in the same light as men, and this recent push for women’s rights should be observed and heralded as a simple shift of the balance of power between sexes.
Stepping out into the fall air I shiver, but not because I fear woman oppressing men sometime in the near future. I shiver because it’s cold outside, and I didn’t take a woman’s advice to wear a coat today.
Adam is a sophomore CCPA and international studies double major. He is also a member of the SMU Model United Nations team. He can be reached for comments or questions at [email protected].