It may seem common for the workplace to be made up of men and women. However going back a few generations, females in the office, factory or worksite were uncommon. In that same era, gentlemen would commonly give up their seat on a crowded train or bus, so a lady could sit down.
In my industry, IT, a large debate is raging as to how we get more females into IT roles. Women and women’s groups demand equality, equal pay, and equal representation. They want that equality based on merit and not tokenism. Don’t get me wrong, I like having women in the workplace. Women often provide different viewpoints, new insights and value that men miss. However, women make up 52% of the population. Is this movements goal to have women make up 52% of the workforce?
So with these social changes, male chivalry and manners have gone by the wayside. If women want the rights of men, then they will be treated as men. The last time I offered to give up my seat for a lady, I received a strange look and rejection. I am obviously too old school and society has moved on.
The Creator God designed males and females differently. While equal in value as humans, each gender has a unique role to play. (Genesis 1:26, 3:16). That uniqueness is nearly extinct.
A dying species is the stay at home mum. Some women find it empowering having vocational careers. If that is your choice, great. If that is every woman’s choice,.. well … Is that still great?
Men don’t have the privilege or ability to birth children. Fathers do have the responsibility of providing for children. Challenging and trying to change the created order on a mass scale has implications. The least of which is less seats on trains for women.
Blessings
- JC
4 COMMENTS
Elizabeth
Great post Jeremy.
Last week I quit my job whilst on maternity leave. I had a baby recently and was due to go back and it was such a hard decision when many were saying to me, “You’re crazy if you don’t go back to such a good job!”.
I went as far as getting part time work approved but I didn’t feel at peace with the idea of putting my child into the care of people I do not know.
When I sent the email to my Manager last week, I felt such peace and knew I’d done the right thing.
You wrote, “A dying species is the stay at home mum. Some women find it empowering having vocational careers. If that is your choice, great. If that is every woman’s choice,.. well … Is that still great?”
Ask the single something woman in her late thirties/early forties who chose the career path and never found Mr Right.
I guarantee you they would give away all their spoil for a husband and a baby.
I am so glad I have a Bible which reveals truth.
Elizabeth
and Yes.
You should still offer your seat to ladies, err I mean Women.
Kezia Dennison
I have to disagree with you, Elizabeth. Your guarantee that any forty year old single woman who has a career would give it up for a man and a baby would fall through. I know several single ladies who have careers and are perfectly content with their lives. Marriage and babies are not the be-all and end-all of life for women. Many men remain single and there is no judgement on whether or not they are right or wrong. There is no difference for women.
Like Paul said, some people are meant to be single and single women are not any less of a person or any less of a woman for being single. I am single, but I’m not interested in sitting around and waiting for Mr. Right to rock up. And if I am blessed with a good career, I dont see any reason to drop out simply because a guy comes along. I think it’s up to the individual and then up to the couple to decide whether it is right for the wife/mother to have a career or stay at home after marriage.
I think it is wrong to assume that a single woman in her late thirties or forties who has a career is any less happy and fulfilled than a married woman with a baby. I think it is wrong to judge that any woman who doesn’t get married has somehow missed what God has for her or she has not experienced the best life can offer.
Elizabeth
Hey Kezia,
I think you’ve read into my comment a little bit and made some inaccurate assumptions.
The woman I am referring to in my comment above is the one who holds off from having children and settling down with the presumption that there is plenty of time in the future. This is the same woman who spends her twenties cohabiting and wants children someday but just not right now.
I spent a good few years prior to getting married being completely content as a single young woman, working FT and enjoying my ‘freedom’ by travelling etc.
I know content single women exist and by no means do I insinuate that they are missing God’s ‘best life now’ (see what I did there?).
I wouldn’t expect these women to be in the majority though.
I believe marriage and fruitfulness is a good thing and whilst it’s not for some, I believe it’s intended for many.
Unfortunately, many choose the way which seems right to them.
Hope that clarifies my position.