For centuries, women have competed against men for equal pay and respect, especially in the workplace. However, in today’s office, women vs. women has become the new toxic norm.
Originally, toxic femininity dates back to the 70s with prominent anti-women’s rights activist Phyllis Schlafly openly arguing against women’s rights in the workplace. Schlafly believed a woman’s place was at home, cleaning, cooking and taking care of children, not working in an office or factory.
Since then, few women have argued against working in factories, as many now openly choose the workforce. However, within the office, lies the hidden competition between women.
NDB Senior Katherine Moorhead has experienced and observed the women-versus-women battle at school.
“Obviously I think when we go to an all girls school…it makes you notice more your relationship with women and I think you focus more on comparison between each other especially for seniors because we are comparing grades, extracurriculars, college admissions and gpa” said Moorhead.
In her sports career, Moorhead has been criticized for her position as a soccer goalie, stating, “there would be plenty of women who thought I was unqualified because I was too short or didn’t have long enough arms, I mean people… hate on women if they’re already where they want to be.”
Apart from extracurriculars, Moorhead told The Catalyst that she was judged by a woman for her major, business information systems.
“She was confused, wondering why I would be majoring in [business] then a scientist or more stem based [career]. I think it’s strange, especially [that] an adult woman would not support a young woman’s career choice.
Young women deserve to be supported, not belittled, for their hard work and determination. Before you gossip or put a woman down, remind yourself that toxic femininity is not the answer.
