Do these attitudes really still exist?

[baramewe]

Just wanted to get other people's thoughts and experiences. I'm late 20s, married, 1 DC, work part time in a low paid manual job but I have aspirations to do something more with my life and be able to provide for my family not just be reliant on DH. I'm also ambitious just to learn and explore, it's not just about money. I went to uni first time round but it hasn't got me anywhere. I'm now in my 3rd year of a masters degree of a specialised subject I'm passionate about. It's not yet obvious what career it will lead to but I want to keep improving and studying.

Now the reason for this post is my ILs have always quietly had a problem with both my degrees. They've always refused to talk about it, refused to help with childcare (I had DS whilst studying, it was tough but DH and my family have been amazing.) just generally always hated me and I think my education and the fact I have opinions really infuriates FIL. This was one of big factors on us going NC back in the summer.

Now I've just heard from a close friend her DPs family has told them they're not welcome at their house anymore. She's in a good career and also going onto a masters degree next year. Again the reason given was that she was feisty and had opinions- I.e not a doormat. In both cases our partners families have no history of going to uni and I think they look down their noses on those who have been to uni, particularly woman.

Has anyone else experienced prejudice as a result of a woman wanting to study? Can't believe these attitudes still exist in 2018! I keep quiet about my degree when getting to know someone cos I never know how they're going to take it. It's a balancing act trying to fit study in with family life but DH is an equal partner and very supportive. And I'm doing it for DS too, and I just think of all the girls around the world who are fighting to just read and write, and feel so lucky to have the opportunity's we have in this country,

The answer based on responses to this thread is clearly that yes these attitudes do exist. The extent to which they exist is not clear, as what we have here is only a collection of anecdotes.

I don't think that @baramewe does pay any attention to what her sexist relatives say.

Thank you wrapped up, that means a lot and yes I know longer have anything to do with ILs in order to keep our DC away from that sort of attitude. I'm pleased that some people have not encountered this problem but it's also clear to see many have which is so sad.

Haven't read whole thread but I would say that you make them feel inferior as they believe they are inferior due to lack of education and in the jobs race.

So it's not your fault its their low self esteem. and they feel threatened.
I would try to keep up a relationship. Perhaps once they reach retiral age or when they put this behind them for some other reason things might improve.

Beyond the page, your comment is interesting as surely that attitude is part of the problem. If someone is experiencing prejudice it must be their fault in some way

No, I do not think it MUST be their fault in some way, I DO, however, think it CAN be their fault in some way.

I do not think of "prejudice" concerning higher intellect - I know that just because I have not experienced it it does not mean it does not exist, but the only prejudice I have seen concerns those with lower education status, those who can't fight back.

I have no "preconceived ideas" - I have ideas formed from experience like everyone else. Just because my experience is different,does not make it any the less valid.

"Do these attitudes really exist?" - was a question. I did not realise it was rhetorical.

If not, my answer is "It obviously depends on the people you mix with."

I remember as a student using the words 'optical illusion' at my summer job. The manager and the teenage staff members raised their eyebrows and looked at each other as if I was getting above myself.
There's definitely an anti-intellectual culture in this country and it exists even among the educated. I remember growing up, people who were university educated themselves questioning the value of advanced degrees.

You also see it in conversations, it generally goes down to the lowest level so that people end up talking about reality TV because they're afraid to talk about something more complicated and get the raised eyebrows treatment. I didn't get this at all on the continent. There, people spoke about all sorts of subjects even if there were people present who wouldn't be able to contribute much.

God that’s depressing that these attitudes still exist. My grannie faced them going to university in the 1930s, my mum faced it in the 60s and yet I’m the family fuck up for not having a degree! (That was lighthearted about me being a fuck up btw)

My point is that I’m not educated beyond school/vocational qualifications but I cannot abide attitudes which hold women back and try to enforce 100 year old ideas on us. OP do your own thing, never mind what anyone else thinks.