Gender Equality Attitudes – A Litmus Test

A study by Pew Research came out a few days ago documenting current perceptions about gender equality in various countries around the world.  Next month marks the anniversary of the 19th amendment to the constitution.

To hear it today, every political faction claims responsibility for the women’s right to vote.  But it was the progressive party and the progressive wings of both major parties that made it happen.

It is a reminder that the conservative legislators in southern states almost blocked passage of the amendment.

We all owe a great deal to the progressive Bull Moose Party of Teddy Roosevelt.  I sure wish the energized Republican base today was the least bit in that tradition.  I fear though they are more like those that undermined the primary votes to steal the nomination for Taft.

I was particularly interested in the chart to the right (click to enlarge) dealing with what kind of marriage was found more satisfying in various countries, one where the husband provides or one where both husband and wife have jobs.

Look at the US and then look at Pakistan.  Never forget that there is a faction of this country that believes there shouldn’t be gender equality, although as they do with racism and classism they cloak it in vague terminology.

What they really oppose is “change.”