2) Utilizing Glasberg and Shannon, Chapter 1 Introduction, and the works of Karl Marx explain to the reader the structures of oppression, in reference to power, politics and the state? Utilize the concepts of patriarch, racism and heteronormativity. To start off this essay, it is important to note what is meant when using oppression in the terms and context of a sociologist. Oppression causes certain groups of people to be or advantaged in a political system whereas other groups of people are considered to be subordinate (Glasberg, pg. 1) One of the major groups that has been oppressed Universally are women (there are exceptions, but not many). Women have typically had not had the rights, privileges, or participation as it relates to political …show more content…
The “matrix of domination” theory seeks to prove that someone is not limited to one type of oppression and that all oppressions for various reasons are not the same. For example, if one is a black, lesbian woman, she may be oppressed in several different factors throughout the day, but she is can be advantage if she went to an all black company and applied for a job there, but that doesn’t subtract from her other disadvantages. (Glasberg, pg. …show more content…
A political economy (class notes/ Glasberg, pg.4) is when state interests interlay with an economic system. Glasberg mentions capitalism as a type of political economy. Socialism is another type of political economy. The exception of a true political economy would be pure communism as the state would be abolished, but that has happened yet in any developed, modern country. Marxism looks to share wealth throughout a group, regardless of the individuals in that groups ability to produce. That is different than capitalism where the interest is to produce more to earn more for one’s own benefit. Capitalism in itself, promotes wealth inequality, but communism can be seen as a relieving system for inequality. Now, if the group is unable to produce when compared to the other groups of people, they would earn less, but race and sex, and homosexual discrimination would be limited because discression among employers wouldn’t be as influential. When a political economy occurs, the state gives out certain privileges to certain people. Racism excluded black people from certain privileges and opportunities for social mobility and political inclusivity and women were under the same oppressed state for a very long time. In 1921, women’s fight for the right to vote finally paid off, but opportunities to penetrate through vertical penetration of a
In her article “Black feminist thought in the matrix of domination” Collin states “Race, class and gender constitute axes of oppression that characterize black women’s experience within a more generalized matrix of domination.” By “matrix of domination” she means black women mostly affected oppression because of the race, class and gender factors of the matrix of domination but other group of people might be affected for other dimension of the matrix such as ethnicity and
Oppression is not always brought on in a violent and oppositional way, it can take on a peaceful and silent form; however regardless of the way oppression is introduced, it maintains the same characteristics of “imposing belief systems, values, laws and ways of ...
Consequently, only through the awareness and destruction of the heteropatriarchal structure and three pillars of white supremacy can people of color break from their systems of oppression. White supremacy is protected by the heteropatriarchal family system which allows for the pillars of oppression to exist (McIntosh 1). The heteropatriachal family system is supported by Christianity and oppresses groups which do not follow the traditional such as followers of Islam, non-heterosexuals, and non-Whites. The three pillars of oppression work with the traditional family model to target and dominate non-Whites. Oppressed minority groups may deconstruct these systems by aligning with one another to combat forces of white supremacy throughout society; heteropatriarchy and the three pillars.
Oppression is a term that has been used throughout history to describe the injustices brought upon minority groups. Feminist writer Marilyn Frye shared the definition of oppression, which essentially means to shape or conform certain groups of people (for this paper women will be used as the primary example) into socially constructed ideals through restrictions that mold and immobilize minority groups or females (Frye 11). According to Marilyn Frye, this term is sometimes loosely thrown around and used out of the term’s true context. The misuse of this term often creates a misconstrued view of what true oppression is and how particular groups of people are able to function within
At this point, the difference perspective in ideology and political action has divided the women movement into some feminism types; socialist, Marxist, radical, liberal and many others. While liberal feminist focus their struggle for equality on civil, economic, and political rights, and education, the feminist socialist and Marxist believe women 's oppression is “the product of the political, social and economic structure within which individuals live.” (Tong, 1998: pp.94). Although some other people suppose that the feminist Marxist and socialist is quiet different, but both of them believe the source of women oppression are capitalism and patriarchy. The Marxist feminism is rooted in 19th century thinker such as Marx and Engels, whether
Women have been oppressed since the beginning of time, they have always been thought of as lesser to men in our culture, and they still are. Although some people may disagree women are still put at a lower bar to men. They have a lower chance of getting certain jobs, making more money and being put into places of higher power. People of color have also been oppressed for a very long time. Back in colonial times this sexism and racism was even stronger and more powerful. Women couldn’t get any jobs that had to do with government and had very little power over what they could or couldn’t do. African americans were almost all slaves and if they weren’t they still had little to no rights, it was extremely difficult for them to find jobs. This
As a people who were born free, futures ripe with opportunities and choices, it’s hard for most in American society to truly imagine slavery. It’s a horrific concept that is ingrained into childrens heads and then thought of as only an idea in a history class, but sadly, the past doesn’t seem to always stay in the past. Many forms of slavery that share a plethora of traits with slavery found back in the times of the civil war, are still very prevalent in the world today, domestic work and exploitation being a very huge problem in several countries.
This oppression and discrimination is experienced through several forms of oppression including violence, racism classism and sexism not only at a personal level but also at the structural level. This high risk population is vulnerable for internalizing the oppression as an accepted norm. Mullaly believes that “people may be given certain rights but still be unable to exercise their rights due to particular social constraints based on class, gender, race and ethnicity.”
It was Emerson who said it best, “For nonconformity, the world whips you with its displeasure” (Porter 1155). With a detailed look of Amy Tan’s “Two Kinds” and John Updike’s “A&P,” you will find that this quote is entirely applicable in the context of oppressiveness and in the likeness of “coming of age.” These two stories document the different perspectives of two characters’ growing up and how the role of the invisible hand of oppression guides developing adolescents into mature adults; without prejudice or even forethought. The characters in question are: Sammy, an A&P store clerk whose time spent at work reveals how oppressed by society he is, and Jing-Mei, whose life and every move is dictated by the iron fist of her high-expectations Asian mother. In comparing these stories, you will find how two characters, with very different lives, are essentially affected by the same forces of humanity.
By understanding oppression, you understand feminism. When you question why your path is blocked with barriers that have nothing to do with individual talent or merit, handicap or failure, but by on being in the membership in some category; that is oppression. (Frye). You have to look at how the barrier fits with others and who benefits or is harmed in its work. The barrier is constructed and maintained by men, for the benefit of men. Evelyn Cunningham states “Women are the only oppressed group in our society that lives in intimate association with their oppressors” (Rawlings, 2009). Oppression in people occurs when their options are reduced to very few and all are exposed to penalty, censure or deprivation. Women have been placed in a categ...
THE WAYS OF MEETING OPPRESSION IS AN ESSAY WRITTEN BY MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., ADDRESSING SEGREGATION THAT IS SPECIFICALLY DIRECTED TOWARD THE AFRICAN AMERICAN AUDIENCE. King’s primary audience is the African Americans, but also he has secondary audiences that he addresses, which are a combination of Christians or those who know of, or believe in the Christian views, as well as people in the legal system. He gives examples through his text that will demonstrate how he addresses mostly the African Americans, but also the various other audiences he is trying to reach to through his memorable speech. In his writing, he tells of three ways that they deal with oppression, and based on these he sends out a message to all who have read or heard his words. This message states what has been done in the past, as well as what should be done based on these past experiences. King chooses to speak to certain people through certain contexts and key phrases. In choosing certain phrases and also on how he states his words, he is successful in influencing all his audiences that he intended to persuade. The words that he carefully chose will tell how and why he wanted to focus on the primary and secondary audiences of his choice.
Among the many subjects covered in this book are the three classes of oppression: gender, race and class in addition to the ways in which they intersect. As well as the importance of the movement being all-inclusive, advocating the idea that feminism is in fact for everybody. The author also touches upon education, parenting and violence. She begins her book with her key argument, stating that feminist theory and the movement are mainly led by high class white women who disregarded the circumstances of underprivileged non-white women.
“Indeed it will be a long time still, I think, before a woman can sit down to write a book without finding a phantom to be slain, a rock to be dashed against.” These wise words originate from a speech titled “Professions for Women” by a famous female author, Virginia Woolf. For centuries, women and men alike have been involved in a detailed struggle for women’s equality. Over the years, women have become dramatically more equal to men, although many still feel suppressed from several opportunities. But what about men? Females are not the only ones who face inequality on a daily basis; males encounter ridicule if they do not behave a certain way and are constantly oppressed from academic opportunities. The largest issue facing young men in today’s society is the intense focus placed on girls and their proper treatment from an early age.
Freire discusses oppression in terms of the nature of oppressors. Oppressors do not perceive their own "haves" as sadistic and entitled. Having is considered to be inherent in the effort oppressors have put into their own lives. To them, those who are underprivileged are the way they are because of a lack of effort. As a result, oppressed groups begin to see themselves as subservient to the oppressors. The oppressed perceive themselves to be less deserving. ______ writes, "And the more the oppressors control the oppressed, the more they change them into apparently inanimate 'things'." The oppressed are stuck in a mindset of believing that their treatment is warranted, while the oppressors perceive their entitlement as a given (Freire, 2006).
Women have always been essential to society. Fifty to seventy years ago, a woman was no more than a house wife, caregiver, and at their husbands beck and call. Women had no personal opinion, no voice, and no freedom. They were suppressed by the sociable beliefs of man. A woman’s respectable place was always behind the masculine frame of a man. In the past a woman’s inferiority was not voluntary but instilled by elder women, and/or force. Many, would like to know why? Why was a woman such a threat to a man? Was it just about man’s ability to control, and overpower a woman, or was there a serious threat? Well, everyone has there own opinion about the cause of the past oppression of woman, it is currently still a popular argument today.