Al-Qaeda carried out the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Al-Qaeda’s justification for the fight was based on traditional family values. This religious view, as taught in Islam, dictated that women must be strictly regulated in order to maintain consistency between family and society. This view posits, firstly, that the home is a woman’s sanctuary, and life outside the home is the domain of men. Secondly, that sexuality should be confined to the family. Sex outside of marriage is unacceptable. Thirdly, that a woman’s primary duty is childbirth and raising the next generation. Women who enter society are seen as encouraging extramarital affairs simply because they are outside the home. This traditionalist religious view negatively impacted American-style liberalism and women’s advancement in society. However, over the past 100 years, the very structure of human life, especially women’s life, has transformed. In the 21st century, the conflict between the two sides has intensified, but traditionalists seem to be on the defensive, continuing a battle they cannot win.
A hundred years ago, people did not hesitate to have many children. Children were the foundation of wealth, and having many children was a source of wealth in agricultural societies. If a woman gave birth and both mother and child survived childbirth, the family’s living conditions improved. Having as many children as possible was a woman’s primary job. Humans enjoy sex, and if they have sex without contraception, children will be born. Having many children, a source of wealth, while satisfying sexual desires was also an ideal. Before the modern era, it was customary for children to take care of their parents, but it was also an economically rational structure. Having many children brought prosperity and income in old age to the family. The three teachings of Islam promised traditionalists rational wealth and social security.
As modern industry gradually took shape, educated workers became necessary. Literacy and programming skills are not necessary for weeding or sowing seeds in an agricultural society. However, as industry advances, these skills become fundamental. Companies constantly change their work methods to increase productivity and profits. Problem-solving skills are required to keep up with these changes. Selection in this context is based more on the ability to solve problems than on gender. More than 100 years ago, for people who lived long enough to reach old age, their children were a source of support in their later years. Currently, a small number of young workers are supporting a rapidly growing elderly population. We are entering a society that women cannot survive by staying at home and solely protecting the household. What is needed now is a way for families to navigate the future successfully.
