--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: it used to be almost the first question…" description: "\"it used to be almost the first question (just after 'Can you type?') in the standard female job interview: 'Are you now, or have you ever, contemplated..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/22c/barbara-ehrenreich-1204_female_it-used-to-be-almost-the-first-question_989522.png" --- # it used to be almost the first question (just after 'Can… ![“it used to be almost the first question (just after 'Can you type?') in the standard female job interview: 'Are you now, or have you ever, contemplated marriage, motherhood, or the violent overthrow of the U.S. government?” quote by Barbara Ehrenreich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/22c/barbara-ehrenreich-1204_female_it-used-to-be-almost-the-first-question_989522.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/22c/barbara-ehrenreich-1204_female_it-used-to-be-almost-the-first-question_989522.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/22c/barbara-ehrenreich-1204_female_it-used-to-be-almost-the-first-question_989522.png) > “it used to be almost the first question (just after 'Can you type?') in the standard female job interview: 'Are you now, or have you ever, contemplated marriage, motherhood, or the violent overthrow of the U.S. government?” [Barbara Ehrenreich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barbara-ehrenreich/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The interview question probes personal life choices and political views, reflecting intrusive expectations placed on women in the workplace. **In simple terms:** Women often face invasive questions about personal and political matters during hiring. Key Takeaway Advocate for respectful, job‑relevant interview practices. Themes gender bias privacy politics Mood critical concerned Type social political When to use this quote - job interviews - HR policies - employee rights Key Concepts intersectionality workplace discrimination interview ethics Questions to Reflect On - Should personal life be a factor in hiring? - How can interview standards be improved? A Different Perspective Such questions can deter qualified candidates and perpetuate stereotypes. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Contemplated Marriage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contemplated-marriage-2017077/) [Female](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/female/) [Firsts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/firsts/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Interview Contemplated](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interview-contemplated-2017075/) [Interviews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interviews/) [Job interview](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/job-interview/) [Jobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jobs/) [Marriage Motherhood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/marriage-motherhood-1376670/) [Motherhood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/motherhood/) [Motherhood Violent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/motherhood-violent-2017079/) [Standards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/standards/) [Type](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/type/) [Used](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/used/) [Used to be](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/used-to-be/) [Violent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/violent/) ## Related quotes > [Even prior to marriage and motherhood, it's always been about prioritising and focusing on what you can commit to. 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