Woman's place in modern world

The celebrated Greek philosopher Plato believed that there should be equality of opportunity in employment for both men and women. Strangely, he thanked God that he had been born a man! Another Greek philosopher Aristotle saw woman as nature's failure to make a man. He did not think that woman was worthy of taking part in public affairs. Even ancient Jews did not celebrate the birth of a daughter.

After more than five centuries since then the position of woman has undergone drastic changes. However, the changes came slowly and steadily. Many revolutions promised to give her liberty and the right to vote. After the revolutions men completely forgot them. Some philosophers such as Schopenhauer referred to women as an "under-sized, narrow-shouldered, broad-hipped, and short-legged race." He condemned women probably because he had been jilted by a pretty Venetian girl!

Women received some measure of freedom only in the 20th century. With the new-found freedom they began to assert themselves in almost every field of activity. They took to law, medicine, accountancy and engineering in a big way. Some strong-willed women stormed the male bastions such as the police, army, navy, and air force. Although they could not match male physical strength, women made up their minds not to play second fiddle to men.

Modern woman has acquired a penchant for freedom and power. Today man cannot get away easily if he beats his wife. Women hold high positions in the legislature, judiciary, and police. They are no longer the docile housewives who patiently wait for the return of their husbands from work.

Most women now imitate men. Some of them drink hard liquor, smoke and play cards. They dress like men and sometimes you do not know whether you are sitting next to a man or a woman! Most of these changes came some time after the Industrial Revolution in the West.

During the first phase of the Industrial Revolution, factory owners preferred to employ women and children. Male labour was relatively more expensive than woman and child labour. When women became economically independent, men lost their control over them. This marked the initial phase of the women's liberation movement.

Women have stormed male bastions such as the army

The working woman got rid of her household chores little by little.

Industrialists invented machines to help her in cooking, washing, and keeping fit. Gas cookers, refrigerators, microwave ovens and washing machines invaded the household. As a result, modern woman settled herself to a sedentary lifestyle paying more attention to her good looks. Many gymnasia and beauty parlours sprang up in the city to help women to be in good shape.

In the heyday of our hydraulic civilisation during the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa kingdoms, parents welcomed more children to their fold. They were necessary to work in fields and farms. However, the scene changed after the Industrial Revolution. Today's parents do not welcome more than one or two children because they lead a hectic life in the city. Moreover, modern flats and apartments are not meant for large families. With the blessings of the government birth control methods are widely practised to check the population boom.

The emancipated woman is the product of the age we are living in.

Instead of criticising her for what she is, we need to look at her with some degree of impartiality. After all, women are our mothers, sisters and daughters. However, woman's emancipation is not without problems.

History tells us that ancient Romans were filled with horror at the prospect of getting married to a learned woman. The position seems to remain the same even today. Very few men would opt to marry a woman who is equally or more qualified than them. This is because most men resent women "trespassing" upon their territories. If you glance through the marriage proposals in newspapers, you will notice that most women who look for partners are highly educated professionals. One unmarried postgraduate student said,"Why is that no one wants to marry me? Most men love very insignificant women."

Despite proliferating spas, gymnasia and beauty parlours, modern woman in the city is no match for a village damsel helping her father or husband in agricultural pursuits. Some of our grandmothers in rural areas have no problems with their vision or hearing. While the rural woman is ready to deliver her baby in the most natural way, her city counterpart has to go for a Caesarian operation.

Human civilisation marches forward whether you like it or not. The changes taking place in the social fabric cannot be halted or reversed. Even if you are not a wayside philosopher, you can watch the passing scene with amusement and curiosity.