Eromidayo Olayiwola (Harmony)

Prof. Hollis Glaser

GWS 100-1300

Discussion 6

Think about your relationship to capitalism in the United States.

After reading the article and viewing the video, I discovered that it is challenging for women to succeed in the capitalist system where women are more likely to experience marital violence, economic repercussions, and societal disasters. My status as a woman, a student teacher, a wife, a mother, and a sister in society has been negatively impacted by the effects of a patriarchal system where women are oppressed and discriminated against. In a capitalist society like the United States, where patriarchal systems still influence how women are viewed and compensated, I strive and struggle to carve out a place for myself while still accommodating everyone. Being paid minimum wage, taking care of my personal safety to avoid harassment, and starting out with long hours of domestic work has forced me into a low-paying job where I am unable to blossom as an early childhood educator.

Have you been successful in the marketplace?  Why or why not?

According to Gebrial’s article, being a feminist alone is insufficient since one must also consider the structural factors that influence women as a whole and look beyond traditional gender roles because masculinity can affect both men and women equally. Living in a society where marketplace “success” looks far away and the ongoing discrimination against violations of human rights persists, it is difficult to conclude that one has been “successful.” Men and women are so interwoven and depend on each other to attain success even if I live in a culture where collaboration and equity are still dependent on gender, color, or socioeconomic class. I want a community where a man and woman can exercise their right, reach compromise, come together, and find a solution, that is agreeable to the gender involved, without intimidation or oppression then success can be achieved.

What are your goals for your career? Are you confident you will reach those goals?

As a teacher of young children, my aim is to acknowledge my own prejudice, set an example of equity for my students, and deal with improper comments. I’ll also review my course materials and give each student the necessary resources and opportunities they need. I am certain that by creating a developmentally appropriate curriculum that is culturally sensitive and inclusive of students from all backgrounds, I will succeed in accomplishing my goals as well as those of my students.

Finally, what would a feminist economy look like so that nobody is exploited?

According to the article “Feminist Politics,” feminism is a movement that sees intersectionality as a vital component in feminist communities in order to remove sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression. Implementing “Gender Mainstreaming,” an approach that has the potential to have a substantial impact on society by encouraging equal opportunity at all levels of policies, initiatives, and projects. Furthermore, a feminist economy will incorporate, include, and analyze policies, initiatives, and projects to ensure that they benefit both men and women equally.