What happened to the writer is not what matters; what matters is the large sense that the writer is able to make of what happened.
Vivian GornickRead
Being a housewife is an illegitimate profession... The choice to serve and be protected and plan towards being a family-maker is a choice that shouldn't be. The heart of radical feminism is to change that
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote challenges the perception of housewifery as a legitimate profession and advocates for women's autonomy in choosing their roles.
Vivian Gornick's quote critiques traditional gender roles that label housewives’ work as illegitimate, highlighting the need for societal change regarding women’s choices. It emphasizes that the identity of a woman should not be confined to familial roles, but rather that women should have the freedom to choose how they contribute to society, including their role as family-makers.
Themes
FeminismHousewifeChoiceAutonomyGender RolesSocietal Change
In practice
Example use cases
During a women's conference, to highlight the importance of recognizing women's choices in career and family.
More from Vivian Gornick
All quotes →Similar quotes
Any action a woman engages in from a spirit of joy, and within a similarly safe and joyous environment, falls within the city-walls of feminism. A girl has a right to dance how she wants, when her favourite record comes on.
Caitlin MoranRead
I would much rather be the obnoxious feminist girl than be complicit in my own dehumanization.
Kathleen HannaRead
Feminists are asking the practical questions about how you want to live your life.
Naomi AldermanRead
Beyonce is not above critique. As a feminist herself, I hope Beyonce would welcome it.
Roxane GayRead
Girls are taught to sing high and pretty, like Antony, not low and from the guts like Nina Simone. But we're slowly trying to change that. There are so many things we're not told growing up, and it's our true feminist responsibility to take the truth to the people who need to hear it.
Beth DittoRead
A movie about a weak, vulnerable woman can be feminist if it shows a real person that we can empathize with.
Natalie PortmanRead