Of course, some people's "decadence" is other people's "liberation;" the exhaustion with child - bearing a child - rearing that Douthat finds so troubling is the weariness of women who've borne the children and, until very recently, raised them largely on their own, their "basic sacrifices" the sacrifices of individual identity, social relationships, or the pursuit of equality in the world.
[This quote sheds light on the nuanced perspectives surrounding women's experiences and societal expectations. It emphasizes the relativity of moral judgments like 'decadence' and 'liberation,' highlighting that what some may perceive as moral decline or excess, others see as essential freedoms. The focus on women's exhaustion underscores a persistent societal pattern: women often bear the brunt of child-rearing and household responsibilities, especially in the absence of robust social support systems. This burden is frequently framed as a "sacrifice"—a sacrifice that entails the loss of personal identity, social engagement, and even opportunities for broader participation in the workforce or other spheres. The quote challenges the reader to reconsider traditional narratives—questioning whether these sacrifices are truly voluntary or if they are rhetorically constructed burdens that society expects women to accept.
In the modern context, the recognition of women's autonomy and their right to choose different life paths should ideally reduce the stigmatization of seeking liberation from burdens that historically have been carried largely alone. It calls into question the notion that such exhaustion is a sign of moral failure and instead suggests it is a reflection of societal structures that have historically sidelined women's needs and aspirations. By framing women's weariness as a response to societal expectations, the quote advocates for a more empathetic and nuanced understanding of individual choices and societal responsibilities. Ultimately, it invites us to ponder how societal progress can be measured not just by legislation but by the lived experiences and well-being of women, acknowledging both their sacrifices and their pursuit of equality and fulfillment to their own standards.