Take motherhood: nobody ever thought of putting it on a moral pedestal until some brash feminists pointed out, about a century ago, that the pay is lousy and the career ladder nonexistent.

Summary

This quote suggests that society did not view motherhood as a morally praiseworthy role until feminists in the early 20th century highlighted the practical downsides of being a mother, such as low pay and lack of professional advancement. The statement implies that it took the feminists' observations to prompt a reconsideration of societal attitudes towards and recognition of the challenges faced by mothers. It highlights how societal perceptions and values can shift with the influence of social movements and their ability to draw attention to previously overlooked issues.

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