The Cost of Being a Mother

Enrique Irizarry
Jeanina Perez
March 17, 2010
WST 3015

Blog Entry #5:

Megan Seely in, “AT THE TABLE,” describes how many women have benefited from Title IX. Seely states, “Our work has not always been publicly recognized, valued, or paid. But our work has always contributed to the economic health of our families and our nations (99).” Also, Ann Crittenden had this to say about the view of women in America, “In…the United States, the official message is caveat mater, or ‘mothers beware’: you’re on your own.” Ultimately, what both these feminists are stating is true. Women have always worked hard to care for their families, while at the same time competing with men in order to have a stable, financial life, all with little or no support from their spouse. This leads me to the analysis of Lois in the sitcom Family Guy during season titled, “Go Stewie.” In this episode Lois is confronted by her husband, Peter, who states that, “She ain’t what she used to be…once you get these pants off its like two saggin’ pressed hams and a slice of pizza.” Her daughter, Meg, further says to her mom, “Look as you, your old, your nothing.” Lois has been bombarded in the episode by being fed negativity based on her age. Yet, the deeper meaning behind this situation of Lois and her age and beauty has to do with “The Cost of Being a Mother,” as stated by Crittenden (340). Crittenden notes that many women in the United States have to choose between being a mother and pursuing their careers in a competitive world where men are the majority in top position of most professions.

Like Lois, many women opt to become mother and have children before setting in on a good career. Yet, even with a college degree, many women make significantly less than women who do not have children. As Crittenden stated after leaving the New York Times, “My annual income after leaving the paper has averaged roughly $15,000, from part-time freelance writing (338).” Crittenden left a great career where she made a year salary of approximately $50,000. This is a tough decision for many women like Lois. Like many mother, Lois decided to give up a great career to take care of her family. With that in mind, becoming a housewife is a tough job that requires much sacrifice, even of the physical self. Her husband Peter is ignorant of the fact that Lois may not have much time to fix herself up all the time. This episode pushes the envelope about mothers and aging. Lois is depicted as a mother who cheats on her husband with her daughter’s boyfriend because of the entire toll that comes with caring for a family and playing the motherly role. Although not all mother and wives may demonstrate this harsh behavior, I do believe that many women, who realize that financially they are not contributing as much and they are not getting any younger, may sometimes feel inclined to prove that they have still “got it.” In conclusion, the disparities between men and women in this country are great. Women, who take similar educated goals as some men, still earn less than their male counterparts and have the pressure of maintaining their physical self. For some women this task is too much to bear when presented with a family where, at times, she may be the only care giver, as is the case of Lois.

Works Cited:

Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. "The Mommy Tax(2001)." Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2007. 337-45. Print.

Seely, Megan. Fight like a Girl: How to Be a Fearless Feminist. New York: New York UP, 2007. Print.