The Double-Burden: Societal Expectations Hold Women Back

Which outdated belief systems are holding you back? In today’s episode of Honey Toast, hosts Briana and Danielle discuss outdated belief systems with a focus on the double-burden placed on women. If you aren’t familiar, the double-burden is the idea that most women have to work full-time while being the primary caregiver to their children.

Briana and Danielle start by discussing the idea of the double-burden, how feminism has changed women’s roles throughout history, and the modern expectations placed on women. They move into explaining how they have felt the effects of outdated belief systems in their lives, from guilt to feelings of inadequacy. Learn how you can stop believing in ideas that don’t serve you, and how you can begin to make time for yourself without the guilt. 

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:

[0:00] Introduction

[1:15] Today’s episode will focus on outdated belief systems, which is a broad topic that encompasses many societal norms.

[3:19] As a woman and a parent, it’s impossible to have it all. No matter what you do, an area of your life will feel sacrificed. 

[7:36] One quote that resonated with Briana is that it’s easy to be a bad parent, but very hard to be a good one. 

[11:06] As women are pushed to fight for equal rights, they still have to remember that they are women and are not men as masculinity is privileged over femininity in society. 

[15:47] The use of the word “pussy” as a pejorative is an example of how femininity is viewed as week. Female anatomy is not week; it allows women to stretch to extreme lengths to give birth. 

[19:30] Danielle notes the importance of recognizing our inability to meet the impossible standards of femininity set by society is not a personal failing, but a systemic one. 

[24:25] Each individual needs to sit with themselves and define what “having it all” means to them. Everyone has different values, interests, and needs; so success may look different to you than to others. 

[34:05] Get curious about when you experience joy, and what makes you feel joyful. This is a way of practicing mindfulness and a great first step to showing up as your authentic self.

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