Introduction
The question “What do all women want?” has been asked for centuries, debated in philosophical circles, explored in literature, and analyzed in countless psychological studies. While it’s tempting to think the answer is as complex and diverse as women themselves, one unifying factor has emerged across history: the desire for respect and autonomy. In this blog, we’ll dive into what women want, how cultural and societal shifts have influenced their desires over time, and the enduring common thread that persists in their quest for fulfillment.
The Evolution of Women’s Desires: A Historical Perspective
Historically, women were often relegated to specific roles—homemakers, child-bearers, and caretakers. Their wants and needs were filtered through societal expectations, and many had little choice but to conform. However, as history unfolded, so did women’s roles and desires.
In the early 20th century, the suffrage movement was the first major global step toward women’s liberation. In 1920, women in the U.S. secured the right to vote, a critical moment that symbolized women’s desire for equal representation and autonomy in decision-making. Soon after, many countries followed suit.
Fast forward to the 1960s and 1970s, and the second-wave feminist movement demanded not just political rights but also workplace equality, reproductive rights, and the dismantling of gender roles. Women wanted to control their lives, their bodies, and their futures. Since then, modern feminists have continued to fight for gender equity on all fronts, from boardrooms to the entertainment industry.
Yet, despite these vast societal shifts, one dominant theme remains the same: women seek autonomy, respect, and equal partnership in all spheres of life.
A Changing World: The Global View
In different cultures, women’s desires have been shaped by the societal norms and expectations around them. For example:
- In Western countries, women have increasingly sought careers and education, often delaying or choosing not to pursue marriage or motherhood until later in life. According to a 2020 Pew Research report, nearly 40% of U.S. households have women as primary breadwinners, highlighting the shift toward financial independence and decision-making power.
- In Scandinavian countries, which are renowned for gender equality, women benefit from robust maternity and paternity leave policies, affordable child care, and government-backed support systems, allowing them to balance work and family more easily. The Nordic countries consistently rank highest on the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index, showing that women value systems that allow them to pursue careers and maintain family life.
- In parts of Asia and the Middle East, the conversation around what women want is evolving rapidly. While traditional gender roles still hold sway, younger generations of women are increasingly advocating for educational and career opportunities, as well as challenging societal norms around marriage and family life. For example, in 2019, Saudi Arabia granted women the right to drive, a monumental shift that underscores how women’s desires for independence are shaping even the most traditional societies.
The Core Desire: Respect and Autonomy
While culture, geography, and upbringing influence the specifics of what women want, psychological studies show that respect and autonomy are universal human desires that apply across gender lines. However, for women, these wants often manifest more poignantly because of historical and ongoing struggles for equality.
Psychologists like Carl Rogers have long argued that self-actualization—the realization or fulfillment of one’s talents and potentialities—is a core human motivation. For women, achieving this often comes down to the ability to make choices about their bodies, careers, and relationships.
A global 2021 study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that in many countries, access to education, healthcare, and legal rights are critical factors that women cite as important for feeling respected and autonomous. In contrast, in countries where women lack these fundamental rights, their ability to pursue personal and professional fulfillment is significantly hindered.
The Role of Social Change and Technology
The rise of technology and social media has played a pivotal role in giving women a platform to express what they want on a global scale. Movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp have empowered women to demand respect and equality, highlighting the universality of these desires. Women from different walks of life have come forward to share their experiences, demonstrating that no matter the background, women’s desire for fairness in professional, social, and personal arenas is strong.
Millennials and Gen Z women have been particularly vocal in advocating for the dismantling of traditional gender roles, equality in the workplace, and the importance of mental health. Social media has given them tools to connect with like-minded individuals across the world, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared purpose.
The Dominant Position: Partnership and Equality
While the answer to what women want may vary slightly depending on cultural and personal contexts, studies indicate that the dominant position women desire in relationships and society is one of partnership and equality. Women do not want to dominate men or others; rather, they seek equitable relationships where both parties respect one another’s autonomy and contributions.
According to a 2019 study by the Pew Research Center, 71% of American adults believe that a successful relationship is built on equality between partners, rather than on traditional roles. Women, in particular, value the freedom to pursue both professional and personal aspirations without having to sacrifice one for the other.
This shift is part of a broader trend in how women view success and fulfillment. Where previous generations may have been limited by expectations of marriage and motherhood as the pinnacle of achievement, modern women are seeking multifaceted lives that include careers, families, hobbies, and personal growth.
Conclusion: The Constant and The Change
The wants of women have evolved over time, shaped by cultural changes, historical movements, and technological advances. But what has remained constant is the desire for respect, autonomy, and equal partnership. From the suffragettes of the 1920s to the feminists of today, women have fought—and continue to fight—for the right to control their own destinies, free from limitations imposed by others.
The world may change, and so too may the specific ways in which women pursue their desires, but their core motivations remain unchanged. What do all women want? Simply put, they want to live their lives on their own terms—with respect, freedom, and partnership.
References:
- Pew Research Center. (2020). “Breadwinner Moms.”
- World Economic Forum. (2022). “Global Gender Gap Report.”
- World Health Organization. (2021). “Gender Equality and Health.”
Until Next Time…
I Am,
Ewing Redmond Samuels III
