The Double Burden of Women in Today’s Society: Is It Fair?

Let's spare five minutes to discuss a very important topic.

Hey lovely readers! Welcome to VerseBound. Take a moment and think about this— how often do we expect women to be perfect? In 2024, we claim to be progressive, yet the standards placed on women are higher than ever. Whether you are a woman yourself or know someone who faces these pressures daily, let’s talk about the hypocrisy that still persists in today’s world.

Does this sound familiar? A woman is supposed to be a great mother, a loving wife, a loyal partner, and also excel in her career. She's expected to balance everything perfectly without a single flaw. And if she stumbles? She’s the one blamed for not trying hard enough. 

It’s exhausting, isn’t it?

 

Are Women Really Allowed to Be Imperfect?

Let’s be honest: no one, man or woman, can give 100% all the time. But the harsh reality is that women are held to this impossible standard. Even if she’s working a full-time job, contributing financially, and juggling a million things at home, she’s expected to sacrifice her happiness and health for the sake of her family. 

Let me ask you this—how fair is it to demand perfection from anyone? How fair is it that women are expected to give constantly without receiving the same care, support, or attention in return? These are not just questions; these are daily struggles many women face.

 Split Between Two Families: Which One Should She Please?

Now, let’s dive a little deeper. Imagine a woman caught between two families—her biological family and her in-laws. Each family places different demands on her. Her own family has raised her, invested years in her upbringing, and expects her to maintain a strong connection. On the other hand, her in-laws expect her to become the perfect daughter-in-law overnight. 

Can you see the conflict here? Women are stretched thin, forced to meet the needs of two different families while often losing sight of their own needs. 

Here’s something to think about: Why is it that her happiness and well-being seem to come last?

Does society offer her the space to breathe, to reflect, to ask herself, "What do I want?" More often than not, the answer is no.

The Double Burden: Can She Truly Be "Independent"?

We often talk about independence as if it solves everything. But the truth is, even as women step into the workforce and take charge of their careers, they’re still expected to shoulder the weight of traditional gender roles. 

Does this seem familiar? You might have heard, "Women today have it easier; they can work, earn, and be independent." But is that the whole picture? In reality, women are expected to do both. They must excel at their jobs while managing everything at home.

So, let me ask you: is this true independence, or just a new form of oppression wrapped up in modern expectations?

Beauty, Youth, and Career: A Woman's Unseen Struggle

Now, let’s add another layer to this complex narrative—the expectations of beauty and youth. Have you ever noticed how women are expected to stay youthful and flawless, even while chasing their dreams? While society claims to support women in building their careers, it simultaneously demands that they maintain an impossible standard of beauty. Think about it: As women spend years preparing for competitive exams, hustling to secure a good job, and working hard to prove their worth, their appearance takes a backseat.

Exposure to sunlight, dust, and environmental factors dulls their skin, while the stress of constant work takes away the glow of youth. It’s a double-edged sword—if a woman is self-made, hailing from a middle-class background without inherited wealth to support her, she has no choice but to focus on her career and success. But while doing so, she is constantly judged for not keeping up with the societal beauty standards.

Here’s the harsh truth: no one talks about how hard it is to maintain that 'perfect' body, face, and hair while spending years preparing for competitive exams or searching for jobs. A woman is expected to be toned, feminine, and beautiful at all times. Yet, no one acknowledges the sacrifice it takes to even get her foot in the door of a good career.

Men, too, face competition, but women are judged on an entirely different scale. Society demands that she be smart, independent, and successful, but also beautiful, fit, and youthful. If she’s too thin, she’s not attractive enough; if she’s too thick, she’s labeled as "auntie-like." This impossible standard only adds to the immense pressure women face, leading to a vicious cycle of judgment—not just from men, but from other women as well.

And when women internalize these impossible standards, the cycle of oppression continues. Women become their own worst critics. If one woman is judged for not living up to these standards, she may, in turn, project that judgment onto others, creating an environment where women tear each other down rather than lift each other up. It’s tragic, really. The pressure to be perfect—whether in career or appearance—has turned women into competitors in a world where society sets them up to fail. In the end, the woman who doesn’t conform, who doesn’t judge, who simply tries to live her life with integrity, kindness, and ambition, is left with no place in a society that demands she be everything at once.

The “Perfect Woman” Myth: Who Is She, and Does She Even Exist?

We’ve all heard of her—the "perfect woman." She’s the one who’s flawless at work, a nurturing mother at home, a supportive wife, and always cheerful. But here’s the thing: she doesn’t exist.

And yet, society clings to this myth, demanding that women live up to an unattainable standard. If she slips, even for a second—if she’s late for a school event, misses a work deadline, or forgets to plan a family dinner—she’s judged.

But why is this expectation not placed on men? Why is it okay for men to be imperfect, but women are judged so harshly for the same mistakes?

The silent battles of Indian women 

In a country as spiritually rich as India, where Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and other religions are deeply ingrained in the culture, Indian women often face a unique challenge. Spirituality isn't just a part of life here—it's a lifeline, a source of strength, especially for women who, by nature, are nurturers of both family and tradition. But in today’s fast-paced world, balancing work, family responsibilities, and a spiritual life can feel overwhelming. For many Indian women, their spiritual practice—whether it’s meditation, prayer, or simple moments of reflection—gets sacrificed amidst the chaos of daily life. 

Whether they are homemakers managing joint families or working professionals juggling multiple roles, the pressure to meet societal expectations often leaves them with little time to nurture their inner selves. And here's the thing: when that spiritual connection fades, it’s not just about missing rituals or traditions. It's a deeper emotional disconnection, a feeling of being lost, out of sync with their own values and beliefs. This disconnect can lead to silent battles with depression, particularly for women whose spirituality forms the core of their identity. When you think about it, it's not just about managing time—it's about preserving that sacred space within, which often takes a back seat in the pursuit of balancing everything else.

Patriarchy in Disguise: Have Things Really Changed?

Here’s where the real irony lies: the push for women’s independence was meant to dismantle patriarchy. And yet, even after women have entered the workforce and gained financial independence, the core of patriarchy still remains intact.

Ask yourself: Has true equality been achieved, or have women simply been burdened with more to prove?

The so-called "freedom" of independence has, in many cases, only added to the weight women carry. Now, they’re expected to excel both at home and at work, with little to no relief from societal pressures. 

Join the Conversation: What’s the Solution?

So, what can we do about it? How can we, as a society, begin to shift these outdated expectations?

What do you think needs to change? Do you believe we’re headed in the right direction, or are women still being held back by double standards?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s talk about how we can challenge this narrative and create a world where women are allowed to be human, allowed to make mistakes, and allowed to live without the constant pressure of being everything to everyone.

This post is designed to engage you, the reader, and to start a conversation. We can’t move forward unless we talk about these issues openly and honestly. 

So, tell me—how do you see the expectations placed on women in your society? What changes do you think are necessary for true equality? 

Let’s work together to dismantle this hypocritical system and build a future where women aren’t expected to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders alone.