Over the past 3 decades, the social, educational, and economic position of women have changed to reflect their demands concerning equal opportunity; however, have these changes satisfied their needs. Biologically, the genders have specific traits, which include physical abilities and psychological wants and needs. But the recent women's movement would rather that society not look at gender on biological terms.

The current stratification of women is based more on a culture than on biological bases. Women have made strides in education, employment, and politics almost equal to that of men. "By 1980, women earned a majority of all associate degrees and bachelor's degrees; in 2000, that proportion stood at 57 percent. In 2001, 60% of women aged sixteen and over worked. In addition, women in politics and military service have also risen" (Macionis, 2004).

Because of these advancements in the social realm, the family structure has suffered because women are leaving the traditional family to pursue the areas above. Since this is the case, the wants of women - social equality - have been fulfilled at the expense of their natural biological role, which does not have to be defined by any stipulated definition of laws and amendments, but by nature itself.

Childbirth and rearing are the natural roles of women just as providing for that woman and child are the natural responsibilities of the husband and father. Traditionally, this practice of gender roles have been the norm in more cultures than not. However, in the advancement of women's rights in the United States, this role is slowly fading away being replaced by independence and personal choice.

However, was the sacrifice worthwhile? Now that women have the cultural status they desire, the question is now are their needs being met properly. Though women have advanced socially, there are emotional voids left unfulfilled and this can be seen by looking at the current state of society.

In addition to being encouraged to advance in the areas above, women are told by society to marry and live happily-ever-after, and that marriage is the key to happiness, which many times lead to disappointment. The two contrary options given to women have created a double standard. Women must choose between the traditional role and the professional role.

Furthermore, women have a choice to bear children or not, which is advancement in the women's movement, but many women still desire to have children even if marriage is not an option. This is an example of fulfilling wants but still having unfulfilled needs. Women's magazines flood their minds with articles of improving romance, finding the right mate, looking beautiful (which seems to be a need women have), and feeling sexy.

All these stigmas placed on women are direct contradictions to the movement for advancement. So to merge the two, how-tos' on looking and feeling beautiful "at work" and "in your career" are encouraged; however, this brings up the issue of sexual harassment at work as well as gender discrimination.

It is understandable that women wanted to be treated with respect in a patriarchic society such as early America until the sixties, but when the naturalness is stripped from the female role, what is left is a generation of women sifting through cultural trends searching for love and happiness. And what they are finding is the result of their own creations.

© 2004 by Cartel Q