Is it necessary for a clear division of labor between men and women?
本帖最后由 Liang恋 于 2011-12-11 23:40 编辑This old saying takes the clear division of tasks between cocks and hens as an analogy to suggest that men and women should also take different responsibilities in the family or society, arguing that “this is the way God means it to be”. Superficially, it seems to be obviously true. However, if we think deeper, we can see that it is based on a false analogy and was produced in a certain time of human history—a male-dominated society, therefore, it leaves much room for doubt on this proposition.
First of all, the division of tasks between two genders in the animal world does not mean human beings should follow the same living pattern as human race are far more superior and intelligent than animals in that humans possess the capability to learn. This saying mistakenly assume that human kind is of no difference to animals and ignore the simple fact that through leaning and practicing, both men and women can take charge of the affairs generally considered to be the responsibilities of the opposite gender. Of course, it is undeniable that there do exist some distinction between male and female, but this is no argument for supporting that men should shouldering all the physically tough responsibilities and women should stay at home, do housework and raise children. Human beings, in spite of their gender, are endowed with the freedom to choose what they like to engage in as long as they have the capability and plan to accomplish something meaningful.
Secondly, the old saying was produced and wildly recognized in the male-dominated society and thus should be given a second thought in the present day. As a matter of fact, men accept and cling to this view not because it is true, but simply because it is to their advantage. Especially in the federal society, where men were always in definite power to rule the country and the people, each time a woman, say Wu Zetian, wielded the power and became the ruler, there would be numerous criticism, objection and condemnation poured upon her even she was just doing as well as a man or even better, simply because she was a woman. This kind of unfairness and inequality actually derive from prejudice and ignorance, which further prove that the statement is groundless.
To further illustrate my point, the division of labor should depend upon the knowledge, aptitude and experience of an individual rather than his or her gender. Each individual should be given at least a chance to make their own decision about what they like to do basing on their preference and capabilities. It is noticeable that nowadays women tend to walk out of the doors and take on jobs to support their family together with their husband. And more women than ever before is beginning to take on careers in the fields of politics and business, which was used to be “the man’s world”, and are doing remarkably well, such as Wu Yi, Hillary Clinton, Angela Merkel and so on. Doubtlessly, given the chance, women are able to do as well as men or even better than men in many fields; they are not supposed to just have their world built around a man or a small family and do what they are told to do. The same thing is also true of the opposite gender: men can also perform as a wonderful “house-husband” just as most women used to be and doing skillfully in cooking, sowing and taking care of children. All these have clearly demonstrate that it is totally unnecessary for the division of labor between men and women so long as they can forge good cooperation and complete the tasks together effectively and efficiently.
To some degree, this old-fashioned saying smells something of sexual discrimination.We should not take for granted that women can do nothing but housework and giving birth to children. Actually they are capable of playing a bigger role.
In summary, cocks can only crow and hens lay eggs because they have no other choices. Whereas, as humans, we have. Thus it would be preferable for us to make full use of the talent we’re born with—--learning ability, tap our potential to the extreme and not to be restricted by this kind of groundless proposition.
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