Actually, I would say most women I know fit a very traditional role, as outlined in one of the defining life-manuals of our age. I have met Dominicans and Americans who fit this mold. AdrianB, I think you watch too much TV. Real life isn't like the pictures, I'm sorry. I've been very lucky, as well, to have modern role-models, like my mom, aunts, sisters, who are basically the the woman described below. And I am working on it. Don't let this be a western-women bashing thread, I've seen it enough on other boards with an international population, and it makes about as much sense as "Are dominicans good lovers". Take each person one at a time.
Hymn to a Good Wife
A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-GOD.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
ETA: of my role models, who demonstrate the above qualities with such class, there is a high school principal, a corporate lawyer, three business owners, a nurse, a Harvard researcher, and my mom who is content to just chill out on the farm with the grandkids and her many little projects. So it's not about just staying at home, but more about balancing the roles women can play in the world with the role women play as the nucleus of a happy family.
