Ep 113 - The Big Book Chapter, "To Wives," Is TroublesomeEp 113 - The Big Book Chapter, "To Wives," Is Troublesome
Sober Friends
Matt and Steve dissect the 'To Wives' chapter in AA's Big Book, examining its relevance and issues in today's context.
34:07•21 Feb 2023
Revisiting 'To Wives': A Modern Take on an AA Classic
“The bottom has risen up to hit people, not the other way around.”
Ever wondered how a chapter written in 1938 holds up today? In this episode of the Sober Friends podcast, Matt and Steve take a deep dive into the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on the controversial chapter 'To Wives'. Originally penned by Bill Wilson, not the wives of AA members as it claims, this chapter reflects the gender norms and societal views of its time—views that can seem outdated and even troubling today.
The hosts discuss how these antiquated perspectives on gender roles and the implied submissiveness of women to their alcoholic husbands can be problematic for modern readers. They don't just stop at criticism; Matt and Steve also explore how to reinterpret this chapter in a way that's relevant for today's society. They suggest ways to approach the text with a flexible mindset, acknowledging that sobriety journeys are diverse and that AA isn't the only path to recovery.
If you're curious about how traditional recovery literature can adapt to modern values or if you're navigating your own path to sobriety, this episode offers valuable insights and thoughtful discussion.
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