Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Henrik Ibsen’s ‘A Doll’s House’ (1879) is a seminal work of modern drama that powerfully critiques the societal constraints imposed upon women in 19th-century Europe. The play centers on Nora Helmer’s awakening to the suffocating nature of her marriage and her ultimate decision to leave her husband and children in pursuit of self-discovery. This act was revolutionary for its time, directly challenging the prevailing Victorian ideals of female domesticity and subservience. The question of whether substantial change has occurred in women’s place in society since then is complex, demanding an examination of the legal, economic, social, and political advancements made, alongside the persistent inequalities that continue to shape women’s lives globally.
The Societal Context of ‘A Doll’s House’
In the late 19th century, women were largely confined to the domestic sphere. Legally, they were considered the property of their husbands, lacking independent rights to own property, control their earnings, or seek divorce easily. Socially, they were expected to be pious, pure, submissive, and domestic – the ‘Angel in the House’ ideal. Economically, their opportunities were limited, primarily restricted to roles like governess or teacher. Ibsen’s play directly confronts these limitations, portraying Nora as a woman stifled by societal expectations and denied agency over her own life.
Early 20th Century: The First Wave of Feminism
The early 20th century witnessed the first wave of feminism, primarily focused on securing women’s suffrage. Key milestones included:
- New Zealand (1893): Became the first self-governing country to grant all women the right to vote.
- United Kingdom (1918 & 1928): Granted limited suffrage in 1918 (women over 30 with property) and equal suffrage in 1928.
- United States (1920): The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote.
These political victories were accompanied by gradual changes in legal rights, such as the Married Women’s Property Acts in various countries, allowing women to own and control their own property.
Mid-20th Century: Post-War Shifts and the Second Wave
The post-World War II era saw a renewed focus on women’s rights, leading to the second wave of feminism in the 1960s and 70s. This wave broadened the scope of feminist concerns to include:
- Reproductive Rights: Access to contraception and abortion became central demands. The landmark Roe v. Wade (1973) decision in the US affirmed a woman’s right to an abortion.
- Equal Pay: The fight for equal pay for equal work gained momentum. The Equal Pay Act (1963) in the US aimed to address wage disparities.
- Workplace Equality: Challenging gender discrimination in employment and promoting women’s access to professional opportunities.
- Challenging Gender Roles: Critiquing traditional gender roles and advocating for greater freedom and autonomy for women.
Late 20th and 21st Centuries: Third and Fourth Wave Feminism
The third wave (1990s) emphasized intersectionality – recognizing that women’s experiences are shaped by multiple factors, including race, class, and sexuality. The fourth wave (2010s – present) is characterized by its use of social media to raise awareness about issues like sexual harassment (#MeToo movement), gender-based violence, and online misogyny.
Statistics (as of 2023, based on UN data):
- Women hold approximately 28.3% of parliamentary seats globally.
- The global gender pay gap remains significant, with women earning approximately 77 cents for every dollar earned by men.
Contemporary Challenges and Persistent Inequalities
Despite significant progress, substantial challenges remain:
- Gender-Based Violence: Remains a pervasive problem globally, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking.
- Economic Inequality: Women continue to face wage gaps, limited access to credit and resources, and underrepresentation in leadership positions.
- Political Underrepresentation: Women are still underrepresented in political decision-making bodies worldwide.
- Social Norms and Stereotypes: Deeply ingrained social norms and stereotypes continue to limit women’s opportunities and choices.
- Intersectionality: Women from marginalized communities face compounded discrimination.
Example: The situation in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime demonstrates a stark reversal of progress, with women being denied access to education, employment, and basic rights.
Global Variations
The extent of change varies significantly across different regions and cultures. Scandinavian countries consistently rank highly in terms of gender equality, while other regions, particularly in parts of Africa and the Middle East, face significant challenges.
| Region | Gender Inequality Index (GII) - 2022 (UNDP) |
|---|---|
| Europe & Central Asia | 0.344 |
| Latin America & Caribbean | 0.421 |
| South Asia | 0.527 |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | 0.568 |
Conclusion
While substantial changes have undoubtedly occurred since the publication of ‘A Doll’s House’, the question of a woman’s place in society remains far from resolved. Legal and political advancements have empowered women in many parts of the world, but persistent economic inequalities, social norms, and gender-based violence continue to hinder their full participation and agency. The ongoing struggle for gender equality requires a continued commitment to dismantling systemic barriers, challenging patriarchal structures, and promoting intersectional approaches that address the diverse experiences of women globally. The spirit of Nora Helmer’s rebellion continues to inspire movements for women’s liberation, reminding us that the pursuit of true equality is an ongoing process.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.