In a recent encounter, I stumbled upon a clothing store in my Minnesota hometown that left me utterly perplexed. The establishment, known as Giggle Gals, is a women-owned business that markets to suburban moms, offering an array of clothing, jewelry, and home décor. Yet, what caught my attention was a sign prominently displayed in the window, which read: “Your husband called, he said buy what you want.”
Wait a minute. Did I misinterpret that? This sign suggests that I need my husband’s approval before indulging in a purchase for myself. Should I first finish preparing his meals and neatly stack his laundry before I check in with him regarding the purchase of a simple bath bomb? Have we unwittingly traveled back in time to the 1950s?
While I attempted to fathom how the store owner intended the sign to convey a humorous or light-hearted message, I found it decidedly unamusing. The implication that women require their spouse’s consent for financial decisions is regressive. Women today are powerful, industrious, and capable, often balancing multiple roles – they are breadwinners, caretakers, marathon participants, and community leaders.
Statistics reveal that women are earning more college degrees than ever, making up nearly half of the U.S. workforce and owning close to ten million businesses across the country. Specifically, around 70% of mothers with children under 18, the demographic targeted by this store, are active participants in the labor market, with over 75% working full-time. The result is a strengthened economy and enhanced family well-being.
The notion that women must seek permission from their husbands to make personal purchases is not just outdated; it is offensive. While it is common for couples to discuss significant financial decisions together, the assumption that women need to ask for approval on smaller purchases is laughable. We are well-educated, independent individuals with our own financial resources.
In a world where women have proven their capabilities and influence, we do not require anyone’s permission to make our own choices.
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In summary, the sign at Giggle Gals is an unfortunate reminder of outdated gender norms that imply women need their husbands’ approval for personal spending. Women today are empowered, capable decision-makers, and we don’t require permission to buy what we want.
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