Analysis Of Charlotte Perkins Gilman's Human Work

“Human Work” by feminist Charlotte Perkins Gilman is an analysis noting the importance of work in the lives of both men and women. She reflects on how growing social consciousness is aiding in general human unhappiness (p.8) that is linked to economic dependence. This social phenomena is why she urges us to become familiar and have comparative minds (p. 5) in order to better understand new facts that can help shape our perception. In doing so we can insure that society is more profitable and pleasant lives (p.7). Gilman explains how human life has developed and the differences in adjustments that have been done. Mainly a primitive man’s physical conditions had to adapt to climate and animal competitors, yet modern man has to adjust mainly to social conditions such as economic systems and general costumes. These of which society is surrounded by and we often fail to see the meaning and importance in them since they are familiar facts. Gilman stresses that the
Men dominate that workforce creating an economic dependence in which women are kept from becoming successful in the workplace. This is why Gilman, like Marx, stresses the importance of increasing consciousness, “Consciousness always involves power. The power to feel implies the power to act.” (p.14) we need to examine the false ideas that we have been living under in order to proceed to a better developed society. Gilman’s theory of social consciousness relation to humanities pain and suffering is a stepping stone to helping develop a modern society with an increased social consciousness. Her theory is to help us stop whining about our struggles, even though, we reside in a continuously developing world. Human nature has fallen back in development and progressiveness as humans. In order for society to be able to develop an economic process we need to have knowledge, open minds and get into action to create