"Western women have been controlled by ideals and stereotypes as much as by material constraints"

This quote by Naomi Wolf speaks to the idea that females in the Western world have been restricted in their liberty and autonomy not only by product restraints, such as financial and legal constraints, but likewise by the perfects and stereotypes that have actually been imposed upon them. These ideals and stereotypes have been used to control women's behavior and limit their chances. For instance, women have actually been expected to comply with standard gender roles, such as being a housewife and looking after the family, rather than pursuing their own interests and ambitions. Furthermore, females have actually been judged and criticized for not sticking to these suitables, which has even more restricted their freedom and autonomy. Eventually, this quote serves as a suggestion that females have been and continue to be oppressed by both product and ideological restrictions.