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Can Moms Voice Their Anger (And Still Be Taken Seriously?)
I often find myself feeling angry—whether it’s mild annoyance (like when someone leaves an empty carton of eggs in the fridge), moderate frustration (like realizing childcare costs more than my rent), or full-blown rage (especially when I hear comments like, “More guns in schools is the solution to gun violence”). Generally, I try hard to keep my anger in check. I roll my eyes at the egg situation, shrug off the frustrating family policies, and work on channeling my anger into something “constructive.” But sometimes, I worry that if I let it all out, people would label me as unstable.
Why Is It So Tricky for Women to Express Anger?
When men show anger, they’re often seen as strong and passionate. Yet when women do the same, they’re frequently viewed as unhinged. This isn’t just a feeling—research supports it. A study highlighted by Max Taylor in a well-known publication shows that men and women are perceived very differently when they express anger.
In this study, 210 college students acted as jurors in a mock trial involving a man accused of murdering his wife. After reviewing evidence and deliberating, jurors who initially disagreed were scripted to send increasingly angry or fearful messages. The results were telling: when the male juror expressed anger, it led others to question their decisions. Conversely, when the female juror showed anger, it made others more confident in their original opinions.
As noted by Taylor, this means that men have more social influence when they express anger, while women often lose credibility. It’s a frustrating dynamic that makes many women—myself included—feel the need to suppress their anger. Instead of being seen as justified, a woman’s anger is often interpreted as a sign of personal inadequacy. If you’re angry, it’s assumed there’s something wrong with you—rather than considering the valid reasons behind that anger, like an unbalanced division of responsibilities or the alarming rise in gun violence.
The Struggles of Motherhood
As a mom, I often think about this. Whether it’s feeling my temper flare when my kids are misbehaving while I’m juggling groceries or feeling disheartened as I write a babysitter’s check that barely covers what I earn, it’s a constant battle. And when I read about the latest school shooting, I can feel my frustration boiling over. But lately, I’ve started to reconsider the need to hide my anger. Moms have plenty to be upset about, and it’s high time we stop pretending otherwise.
Resources for Further Exploration
If you’re curious to explore more about pregnancy and related topics, check out this great resource on pregnancy. And for those looking into home insemination, this impregnator is a fantastic option. You can also discover more insights in our post about the home insemination kit.
Conclusion
In summary, it’s important for moms to recognize and express their anger as a valid emotion rather than something to be suppressed. Society often misinterprets women’s anger, but we have the right to voice our frustrations and seek change.