Gender Inequality: Then and Now

In her book Revolutionary Mothers, Carol Berkin asserts that although the Revolution did not bring about radical changes in gender ideology and roles for most women, it did legitimize new ideas about women's capabilities and proper roles (Berkin 2005). However, it is still debatable in 2014 how much women's roles have truly changed, particularly in fields like economics and politics, where equality has not been achieved. While there have been advancements in legal status and educational opportunities for women, there is a lingering sense that despite these changes, gender inequality persists.

This is evident in colloquial expressions like "You throw like a girl" which suggest inferiority, or using terms like "bitch" to assert dominance over another person. Female autonomy is often associated with weakness, despite women now having the right to vote. The disparities are also reflected in the demographic makeup of influential positions - only 20 out of 100 US senators are female, and there are just 24 female CEOs among Fortune 500 companies (Fairchild 2014).

Despite women being legally entitled to their wages, they still earn 82 cents to the dollar of a male’s wages and even lower percentages for women of color (US Department of Labor 2014).

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Although the Revolution acknowledged the intellectual and moral equality of the sexes, there was a lingering belief that men and women should not use their abilities in the same areas (Berkin 2005). Gender roles have been a barrier for women to achieve equal social, economic, and political participation in the US both in 1781 and 2014. The strict gender roles of the 1700s prevented women from demanding emancipation at the end of the Revolution.

However, it would be unfair to assume that women in 2014 did not aspire for greater political, economic, and social equality due to gender roles. Berkin argues that despite being classified as feme covert upon marriage in the 18th century, women did develop an independent political conscience.

This status meant her legal personhood disappeared with marriage as she was assumed by her husband as a dependent. Berkin begins her argument with the role of women at the time of the American Revolution. Women could assume new responsibilities because of her helpmate responsibilities without seeing those responsibilities in light of a desire to change her status. However, more than that was occurring. “…across the colonies, women and girls developed concerns outside the private world of the family and began to ‘think nationly’.” (ibid, 11) Largely because of women’s roles in the process of boycotting goods, women utilized political power. Women became critical participants in the opposition to Britain. Gender could not stop the obvious question of what would be the meaning of the demanded changes. Purchasing power was used as an effective tool and the humanity that pushed women into participation must have also generated questions as to what changes would occur because of these protests. Gender roles might have inhibited the action of demanding change but it didn’t stop the question from being raised. Being loving or even just obedient partners might explain their involvement but it could not suppress the natural inclination of asking questions of why.The Edenton Resolves assert that while women are expected to obey their husbands, they also act for their own reasons, stating: "Yet they also declared that it was the duty they owed to themselves." Loyalty and gender roles influence the actions and motivations of women.

Despite their different backgrounds and circumstances, women like Catherine Schuyler, the Baroness von Riedessel, Martha Washington, and Caty Greene all acted out of a primal motivation for survival and self-interest during times of war. Whether it was burning fields of wheat to deny resources to the enemy, or facing the dangers of the front lines alongside their husbands, their actions were driven by personal considerations as much as loyalty or affection. As Nathanael Greene's wife demonstrated, even in the face of suggestions from their husbands, these women made choices that prioritized their own well-being and future status.

Instead of following her loyalist husband, Grace Galloway chose to act in her own self-interest, demonstrating an emerging independent conscience. When her husband abandoned her in Philadelphia and the government seized her property, Grace fought to protect her economic rights. She refused to give up, relentlessly pursuing the separation and recovery of her dowry property from her husband's possessions in 1778. The changing legal language also reflected women's growing political conscience, with statutes on treason moving from talking about 'men' to addressing 'persons' and using 'he and she' instead of just 'he'. These independent political decisions were seen as wifely duties, but the law recognized them otherwise. Native American women faced similar choices in the American Revolution, where traditional gender roles clashed with their need to protect their interests and choose allies wisely. The difference between Native American and European gender norms made compromise difficult, adding strain to their decision-making process.

Women's councils and women warriors were considered a radical departure from the English traditions of subordination of women. Indian women, unfamiliar with the female dependency and exclusion from political life in English colonial society, viewed it with amazement. Molly Bryant, loyal to the British Crown, believed that her political commitment honored her husband's memory and served the best interest of her Mohawk kinsmen and women by fighting for their lands and rights. Despite the limitations imposed by the American Revolution on Native voices, many Native leaders, including women, expressed a strong political conscience. African American women also questioned the ideals of liberty propagated during the American Revolution. The British crown sought support from African Americans, as evidenced by Dunmore's Ethiopian Regiment, despite gender norms.

The chaos of the war presented opportunities for freedom, leading many to seek refuge behind British lines. Despite many Africans being sold to the West Indies, the significant number and movement of Africans demonstrated their ability to seek their own benefit and think politically. Berkin's claims are supported by primary sources such as newspapers, letters, and diaries, with a strong influence from Elizabeth Ellet’s work on Women and the American Revolution. The gender roles of the 1840s and 1850s, as well as the Cult of Womanhood, influenced Berkin's interpretation. While some may find her arguments superficial, she asserts that change did occur during the American Revolution, although it did not bring about significant economic, political, and social equality for women. John Adams' statement reflects apprehensions about women gaining too much power, but the women's debate did provoke reflection.

Reason governs all equally, regardless of gender, as there is no distinction in the soul. Women's involvement in the war highlighted their rational thinking and moral judgment capabilities. Carol Berkin explores a range of women, from prominent figures to lesser-known individuals, including patriots, loyalists, mistresses, and General's wives, as well as Native Americans, African Americans, and spies. The concept of Revolutionary mothers shaping future citizens prompted changes in women's education but limited advancements in their rights. Nevertheless, these educational reforms fostered the expression of new ideas. Despite these limitations, a political consciousness began to emerge during the revolution.

Although suffrage was eventually achieved, it was not a direct result of the Revolution. In 2014, gender roles continue to have a major impact on political, economic, and social inequalities. Women face limitations in various aspects of society such as work, family responsibilities, citizenship, financial obligations, and community involvement. While there is no current movement demanding immediate change through protests or requests, the ongoing disparities are recognized and accepted. Abigail Adams' plea to John Adams to "Remember the Ladies" shows an understanding of the injustices women endure regarding property rights and legal status.

Berkin, Carol. Revolutionary Mothers Women in the Struggle for America's Independence. New York: Vintage Books, 2005. Fairchild, Caroline. Fortune. July 8, 2014. http://fortune.com/2014/07/08/women-ceos-fortune-500-1000/ (accessed November 8, 2014). US Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. October 24, 2014. http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/wkyeng.pdf (accessed November 8, 2014).