The idea that feminists or the feminist movement are solely responsible for some of the behaviors that certain men find undesirable in “modern women” is, in my view, overstated and perhaps unfair. One commonly cited concern among some men is that many women today “choose” not to stay at home as full-time mothers or wives. I was once among those who held this view, but through self-study and a deeper exploration of history, my perspective has shifted.

My shift in thinking began recently when I listened to a podcast where a professor discussed Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations. This brought me back to my college years, though back then, I only read what I needed to pass exams. Today, I read to gain a genuine understanding. Smith’s concept of the division of labor immediately reminded me of Henry Ford’s assembly line—a connection I hadn’t made as a student. Smith published his work in 1776, shortly after the Industrial Revolution began around 1760. This revolution led to mass production, and with mass production came mass consumption, which required a larger workforce to meet growing demands.

Smith’s division of labor theory introduced an efficient way to produce goods by breaking down production into simple, specialized tasks. Rather than having one skilled worker create a product from start to finish, the production process was divided into tasks that could be performed by different people, even those with minimal skills—an approach Ford later implemented with his assembly line. Imagine an assembly line where one worker installs the left front tire, another installs the right front tire, and so on. This method transformed production, allowing unskilled workers to contribute to the manufacturing process and largely replacing skilled craftsmen. Though this a subject for another discussion.

Some men today feel nostalgic for the pre-1940s era—a period they likely never experienced firsthand, as it belongs to their grandparents’ or even great-grandparents’ time. However, the historical reality is that when World War II began in 1939, the U.S. faced labor shortages in critical industries needed for the war effort. With many men off to fight, the government called on women to fill these essential roles, and women responded. After the war ended in 1945, some women returned to domestic life, while others did not, having enjoyed their independence and financial contribution.

From my understanding, the increase in women’s workforce participation wasn’t caused solely by feminism. Rather, it was a natural progression resulting from various historical events, including the Industrial Revolution, Smith’s division of labor, and Ford’s assembly line innovations. Many tasks that once required the strength or skill of a few men could now be performed by a mass workforce, including women, through the new efficiencies in production.

Additionally, more women today are attending universities at higher rates than ever before. Whether they choose fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)—which could lead to true financial independence—is a separate conversation. What’s evident, though, is that many women do not return to being full-time mothers or wives because today’s economic conditions often require two incomes. In our 21st-century economy, it’s nearly impossible for most families to thrive on a single income, even if some women would prefer the option to stay home.

The advances that began with the Industrial Revolution introduced a vast new labor force, and as technology continues to evolve, especially with artificial intelligence (AI), we may soon face yet another shift in the workforce. But that is a topic for future discussion.

By Luis de Andrade