19th Century women were considered property and marriage was a social expectation...Is it the same today?

Question

This question is posed to anyone who would like to voice their opinion......I ask this not because this is what i believe but rather is something that I must answer in response to an English composition paper. This question arises from reading the "Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin. I thought the best way to compose my paper would to have as much input and insight from others who may have opinions. So if you can PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!

Answer 1

(In the USA) No, especially with the way SOME women use children as a bargaining chip and means of personal income. Men have ,in ways, become the property of women. Women pretty much control marriages. Also with so many divorces as common practice and shacking up as the norm, I'd say the latter part of your question is nothing but a myth.

Answer 2

legally, no, women are no longer considered property.  but that doesn't mean a lot of men don't think of them that way.  society may have different expectations of women, but generally, marriage and children are still part of the package deal.  if anything, society expects more of women.  yes, she can have a career, but if she's not married, they think she must be lonely.  if she doesn't have children, she must not feel fulfilled.  today's woman can (and should) have everything - career, marriage, and children - and at the same time!  just look at s*x and the city as an example.  all career women, but they're still driven to look for the 'right' man.  it's an implied message, but a strong one - the man will complete their picture.  i know the Chopin story you are talking about, and i think it's very powerful.  it's a great message.  many women today still feel trapped in marriages.  yes, divorce is more common, but that doesn't mean it's easy.  

it used to be that women got married and had children.  now, they get a job, get married, and have children - all at the same time.  women fought to get into the work place, but there are still antiquated notions about the roles women play.  yes, women are the natural caregivers and nurturers in the family.  but the way society sees the wife/mom/worker - as a woman who needs to do everything to be successful - it's a wonder any woman can feel like a success.  she can have her career, but only if she can also be a wife and mother.  a man is not necessarily defined by his abilities as a husband and father, but a woman is generally seen as a wife/mother before she is identified as a professional.

Answer 3

No it's not the same today. Today women have more writes and speak more openly in other things not related to marriage. Maybe depends on the religion or culture because some cultures still see women as a way to get more money. Such as through marriage. So yeah.