I Buy My Own Diamonds and I Buy My Own Rings

Wishing for Prince Charming - Photo By: Loree McDonald

Where does independence lay in our society? Society would like to believe that in the United States, men and women have equal opportunities in all aspects of life. But in our daily lives we see the lives of women being directed to either career-obsessed bitch or motherly homemaker. Women still have remaining stereotypes of being baby-makers and stay-at-home-moms. But is this fair?

Dr. Katie Barwick-Snell, Human Relations director for the Department of Women's Studies at the University of Oklahoma says that some of the main challenges independent working women face are, "Sexism and Racism and having narrow minded people make policy and women not being equal..." She continues to explain that her husband and her always faced a difference in pay, even when they worked at equal positions.

As a mother with children Barwick-Snell felt "undervalued" and wanted to get back out in the work force and make money again. She explains that these feelings were unintentional, but regardless the idea bothered her somewhat. Also she recalls once when she was working in a business office, a male employee would brush up against her awkwardly, and she regrets never speaking up against this.

The roles women in relationships face is interesting. There is so much pressure from society to have women in very "mommy" roles and are not given a choice to be the professional in the family. There is no real explanation for this other than traditional roles following through into our contemporary society. But as a woman who aims to be the professional working figure in my household, I feel that the roles should be open for either member of the household to take on.