The Perfect Woman Myth

Part 3: Death of the old feminist series

The image of a well educated and professional businesswomen juggling her career and family and managing to have dinner on the table when her husband gets home from work is that unattainable myth that the feminists led us to believe we could achieve.

However, as most women are aware, there comes an inevitable choice where something has to give. Today we see that young women choose to have a successful career, achieving their professional ambitions before settling down and having children.

Indeed the stay at home mum is considered a luxury that only financially secure families can indulge in. As a result, young couples save for that big house and struggle to pay off those big debts so that one day they might have the financial security to be able to afford one or two children, three at the very most.

But by the time these professional women find the time to settle down and start trying for a family, their biologically clock has wound down significantly to the point that fertility becomes an issue and all hopes of children are fading quickly.

The question I have to ask is why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we have the image of a perfect woman as a successful juggler of career and family when in reality we know that this will never eventuate? In fact both of these roles are mutually exclusive and full time, you would have to be Superwoman to achieve this perfect balance.

First wave feminism taught women to aim for the sky, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t, indeed we need professional women in all areas and there’s no reason why the next Prime Minister of Australia should not be a woman.

However, as women we must also realise that our most important and influential role in society comes through being a mother. Surprised? Well consider this question, who has the most influence in the first 18 years of a child’s life? Who teaches our young children their human and social skills, their morals and religious beliefs? If you’re looking outside the family, then you’re on the wrong track.

Mary, the perfect woman

The Catholic Church holds only one woman up as the model of all that is feminine. A perfect example of what the vocation of being a woman really entails. Our Lady is the amplified version of the special vocation entrusted to women.

Her very titles of honour within the Church testify to the humble vocation we’re called too; the Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Heart, the Mother of God.

So then, as women we’re called to purity and chastity, both of which are considerably out of place in this secular society of ours. We are called to virginity and that’s not just in the physical sense. Virginity is not just abstaining from sexual intercourse but also from all other impure thoughts, acts or dress. We’re called to wait and give to our husbands the gift of our virginity. It goes both ways of course men are called to virginity too.

This purity is akin to the way that the Church, the Bride of Christ, keeps itself holy waiting for the second coming of Christ.

But further to this call to purity we are called to be mothers. This is truly the most beautiful gift we receive as women. Truly, there is nothing like the moment after you’ve brought new life into the world and hold that baby in your arms for the first time.

The incredulity of this life-giving act follows you long after you leave the hospital, and long after the first teeth, steps and other significant milestones.

Feminism, femininity and sexuality

This idea of purity and motherhood do not sit well with the radical feminists. They would argue that it is a woman’s right to be able to procure an abortion, use contraception, and use IVF when she decides she’s ready for children.

Sisters, I beg you not to fall into the trap of viewing your sexuality and maternity as a ball and chain that will inhibit your happiness and success in this world. Marriage is not a way for men to oppress you. Marriage is a beautiful vocation, one that lived out fully as God intended will bring you so much joy and fulfillment.

Don’t be afraid to swim against the tide of the radical feminists, don’t undervalue the gift of bringing life into the world, we have one of the most important roles, more important I daresay than being the Prime Minister, for it is us, mothers, who form the future leaders of the world. If we fall short in our role by devaluing it, or neglecting it in order to achieve our professional ambitions, no one else will be able to pick up our slack.

Read part 4 here.

Originally posted 2013-11-09 06:16:43.