Are mothers born or made?
That question lies at the heart of Kramer vs. Kramer's depiction of gender in 1979. The movie's more than just a snapshot of the decade's questionable fashion choices; it's also a document of society's slowly changing attitudes (like molasses slow) about the roles of men and women, particularly when it comes to a family.
The conventional wisdom was that men were the providers, the breadwinners; they're the ones who hold jobs, wear suits, and have three-martini lunches. The woman's place was in the home: taking care of the house and the kid. When Joanna says, "Uh, guys? I want more than being 'Ted's wife' and 'Billy's mom,'" it throws everybody for a loop, especially Ted. For starters, he's going to have to learn what grade his son is in.
That's right. We said it.
Questions about Gender
- Is Joanna selfish for leaving to find herself?
- Why did Joanna believe her only options were to be a wife and a mother?
- Is Ted a misogynist?
- Do you think a mom is hardwired to be a parent because she's the one who carries the child for nine months of swollen ankles and barfing? Is it just in her nature?
Chew on This
If Kramer vs. Kramer were to be remade today, reflecting society at present, Joanna would still win custody of Billy.
Gender has nothing to do with one's ability to raise a kid.