Embracing My Journey: From Feminist Studies to Embracing Traditional Gender Roles
I can't help but feel a sense of irony wash over me. After all, I was once a staunch feminist, immersing myself in Women’s and Gender Studies during my university years. I was deeply engrossed in the discourse surrounding feminism, gender roles, and the pursuit of equality. But here I am today, finding myself drawn back to traditional gender roles and ideologies that once seemed foreign to me.
It's interesting how life can lead us down unexpected paths. In my case, the pressures and overwhelming demands of being a full-time student immersed in feminist literature, research, and academic requirements played a significant role. Don’t get me wrong—I still value and align with certain aspects of the feminist movement, such as intersectionality, equality, and women’s rights. However, over time, my personal beliefs have evolved, leading me to embrace a different perspective.
For years, I grappled with notions of patriarchy and sought to distance myself from what society deemed as oppressive gender norms. But upon reflection, I've come to realize that my journey has led me to a deeper understanding of the cultural and traditional influences shaping my beliefs. Rather than viewing traditional gender roles as inherently oppressive, I now see them as part of a cultural tapestry that informs our identities and relationships.
Embracing traditional gender roles doesn't mean abandoning the principles of feminism or betraying the values I once held dear. Instead, it's about recognizing the complexity of human experience and allowing myself the freedom to navigate my own path. While feminism continues to play a vital role in shaping societal norms and advocating for equality, my journey has taught me to embrace the nuances of my own identity and the cultural context in which it exists.
In sharing my story, I hope to spark conversations about the fluidity of beliefs and the importance of honoring individual experiences. We are not bound by rigid ideologies but rather empowered by our capacity to evolve and grow. And so, I embrace my journey with an open heart, grateful for the lessons learned along the way and excited for the paths yet to be discovered.
Aly Raposo
