Moving the Mountain · Chapter
Chapter V explained
In this chapter, John continues his conversation with Owen, learning about the profound changes in gender roles and family life in this new society.
What happens
In this chapter, John continues his conversation with Owen, learning about the profound changes in gender roles and family life in this new society. Owen explains that women have specialized in motherhood, creating a science of 'Humaniculture' where only those with a diploma can care for children. He describes how women have become fully equal citizens, leading to a more 'human' world rather than a 'feminist' one. Owen also discusses how women's preferences have eliminated tobacco and alcohol use, and redefines marriage as a partnership of true lovers rather than a possession of the husband. The chapter explores the idea that women are now 'mostly human' rather than 'mostly female,' and that this shift has improved both men and women.
Themes in this chapter
Gender Roles and Women's Liberation
The chapter extensively discusses the transformation of women's roles from being 'mostly female' to 'mostly human,' including their specialization in motherhood, their equality in work, and the redefinition of marriage.
Eugenics and Humaniculture
Owen describes the new science of 'Humaniculture,' where women must have a diploma to care for children, and the passing of laws requiring a clean bill of health for marriage, reflecting eugenic ideals.
Social Reform and Utopianism
The chapter outlines a utopian vision of society where social reforms, driven by women and a new religious movement, have led to improved health, morality, and family life.
Characters to notice
- Brother John
The protagonist, who is struggling to understand the new social order, particularly the changes in gender roles and family life. He is skeptical and often protests against the new norms.
- Owen
John's brother-in-law, who patiently explains the new social arrangements, including the specialization of motherhood, the equality of women, and the reasons behind the elimination of tobacco and alcohol.
- Jerrold
Mentioned as an example of a young woman who has her own home and career, and who will not give up her work upon marriage.
Key passages
“You see, John, the women have specialized—even in motherhood.”
Women have become experts in the field of motherhood, just as they have in other professions.
Owen explains the new scientific approach to child-rearing.
“Now women are intelligent, experienced, well-trained citizens, fully our equals in any line of work they take up, and with us everywhere. It’s made the world over!”
Women are now equal to men in all aspects of life, which has completely transformed society.
Owen describes the profound impact of women's liberation.
“A 'wife' used to be a possession; 'wilt thou be mine?' said the lover, and the wife was 'his.'”
In the past, a wife was considered the property of her husband, but this is no longer the case.
Owen contrasts the old and new meanings of marriage.