- American Eagle
Today we are celebrating the independence of our nation. Amidst the celebration we are reminded that as women we have only truly gained this “independence” relatively recently.
Modern women have it all. In the past four decades, women have secured better job prospects, greater acknowledgement for achievement, wider influence, more free time, and higher salaries. And yet, recent studies reveal that women have gradually become less happy than they were 40 years ago, and less happy than men—and unlike men, they grow sadder as they get older.
Before the ’70s, there was a gender gap in America in which women felt greater well-being. Now there’s a gender gap in which men feel better about their lives. It doesn’t matter what their marital status is, how much money they make, whether or not they have children, their ethnic background, or the country they live in. Women around the world are in a funk.
Does this mean that women should return to a world of fewer choices and opportunities? On the contrary, what we have learned provides an opportunity to answer some key questions about the needs of women now. What is the future for women in America? At work, at home, and in life, how can we find deeper fulfillment and joy? And how do we empower our young daughters and today’s 25- and 30-year-olds to make certain they don’t face the same dilemma?
Our mothers had fewer choices and roles that were delineated by men. We have too many choices, want to accomplish too many things and be everything to everyone. Lets teach the next generation of women not to “have it all” but to “have what you want”. This will lead to more fulfillment and joy in life.
The Learning Oasis 