Lessons in Feminism: “Lessons in Chemistry” is a unique angle to unequal rights for women in the 1950s

I tend to never listen to my mom when it comes to book suggestions — usually opting for sappy brain-dead romance novels. So naturally when she suggested “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus, I rolled my eyes. 

I already spend so much time stressing over my chemistry grade, why would I want to read about it too?

However, once I ran out of books on my “what to read” list, I reluctantly followed my mom’s suggestion. Contrary to its title, “Lessons in Chemistry” has very little to do with empirical formulas or ionic nomenclature and is more about romance and women’s rights.

Set in the 1950s, protagonist Elizabeth Zott was expected to tend to all of the duties of an average housewife — get married, have kids, clean the house and tend to the needs of their husband. Instead of following the stereotypes, Zott was a chemist.

The sexism was very apparent right out of the gate. The poor treatment of Zott upset me and made me empathize with the women during this period.

Within the first three chapters, Zott was mistaken for a nurse and a secretary. Her male colleagues and boss would bad-mouth her to her face, along with sexual comments and some going so far as proving their authority by assaulting her. A constant theme in this book seems to be that men do whatever they want while women are expected to stay quiet and follow instruction — which was never the case for Zott.

Her stubborn personality is what makes her character stand out. Supporting female characters in the book are obedient and beaten down by men. Zott, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to care what anyone thinks of her. Instead of feeling inferior, she uses the sexist comments to perservere rather than be put down and prove herself.

Her time in the lab came to a halt when she found out she was pregnant with a child out of wedlock — something held in high disdain during the time period. While continuing her research in her kitchen remodeled into a lab, Zott’s former colleagues visited — not to check on her or the baby, but to ask questions about her stolen research.

I find this very ironic considering the men who didn’t think she belonged in the lab were now relying on her talent for their own benefit. Luckily, Zott was compensated for her help and provided an income for her and her daughter.

Once her daughter attended kindergarten, Zott met fellow parent and struggling TV producer Walter Pine. Pine recognized Zott for her beauty (and exceptional cooking skills) which resulted in Zott receiving her own cooking show called “Supper at Six.”

Zott used the show not only to share recipes, but also to speak out on her non-traditional views and share her love of chemistry with housewives all across the nation — some of which had never even received an education. 

Her use of the show made me and all of the women watching feel inspired. Zott made it feel like I was capable of anything — my gender doesn’t define me.

The spread of feminism was influential, especially during an age where women weren’t seen as anything more than caretakers — Zott proved them wrong.