1.What do you think of the changes of women’s roles since 19th century? Can women nowadays live independently with equal rights?
A: Do you remember the novel we have read on the textbook A Pair of Silk Stockings?
B: Yes, a wonderful story about Mrs.Sommers.
A: So what’s your feeling after reading this story?
B: After getting married, the role of Mrs.Sommers changed. She became her husband’s wife and their children’ mother. She had to bear the family’s burden; she never considered her own needs.
A: She looked so pitiful. She was even afraid of recalling the past. This reflected the imprisonment [ɪm'prɪz(ə)nm(ə)nt] and repression against women of the American society in 18th century. The women was confined to the social role of wife and mother; they didn’t allow any of them to have self-awareness and personal pursuits.
B: That’s inconceivable. I can’t imagine that if I live at that time. So what do you think of the changes of women’s role since 19th century?
A: Since 19th century, women have been more and more independent. In most countries, they have common rights and female rights. I think the society should go forward and women should be treated equally.
B: Yes, nowadays, you can see many women work for the government, some even served as the president or other important positions. Female officials are recognized by more and more people.
A: And more and more jobs are available to women. Women can have more choices. They can have their career and do what they like, and don’t need to depend on men to live.
B: That's right. In family, women’s role changed also. They can work to earn money for the family the same as the man. Husband and wife are equal and they respect each other.
A: A lot of changes have taken place. Women’ life will become more colorful.
B: Of course. It’s getting better. But can women nowadays live independently with equal rights?
A:Not exactly so. Though the law has been established and everyone appeal to equality, women could not truly live independently with equal right. For example, when you apply for a job as the programmer, the company tend to choose the male candidates and refuse female’s application, even though they are better.
B: It’s really unfair. What’s more, in many places around the world, women are not equal with men. They don’t have right, and they can’t protect themselves through legal channels. In Iran and other Middle East areas, women are forbidden to exposing their face unless in their own family. And women can not participate in the elections.
A: There is still a long way to go in protecting women’ right.
