Eromidayo Olayiwola (Harmony)

Prof. Hollis Glaser

GWS 100-1300

Discussion 9                                                                          

What do you understand the liberated woman to be?

“The Politics of Housework” An interesting article on human rights, focuses on achieving equality for women and their daily lives. My understanding of liberated women is that they are a particular type of woman who has noticed how much men detest housework, refused to acknowledge it as a job, felt less concerned about it, and thus turned it into a commodity. These are important elements that have a significant impact on many women’s lives, and I see nothing wrong with their choices based on personal preferences. Men would become aware of the oppression that women face both at home and in society at large. Regardless of how it is viewed, these are intelligent women who understand that men have not been raised to perform domestic duties, which makes it difficult to require men to do so to achieve equality and make men pay for it because they don’t value it. It demonstrates the disparity between men and women when it comes to caring for the home and raising children, and how men’s dominance at all levels led to women’s liberation and Liberated women.

How might the liberated woman be important for women’s liberation?

A crucial component of women’s suffrage and liberation is the monetization of domestic labor, child care, and wifely responsibilities. While the women’s liberation movement believes that men must be responsible and fully aware of their privilege and oppression, the demonstration of the liberated women illustrates how challenging it is to implement equality at home thereby making their spouse pay. Women’s liberation advocates believe that democracy should start at home, where both spouses have jobs, raise children, and take turns taking care of the house, all without gender-based discrimination or oppression. The concept of the liberated woman does not accurately reflect the reality of women; instead, it increases their suffering in marriages where both partners are employed. Additionally, Minardi clearly stated that all men needed to be psychologically aware of their oppression and refrain from glorifying or desiring the oppressor’s approval simply because they were in positions of power. (pg. 4). Women’s liberation is more concerned with how women are oppressed and discriminated against there by promoting equality at all levels without intimidation.

How do these pieces show that “the personal is political”?

Issues that are perceived as “personal” should be recognized as political issues that need to be addressed. Reading Bell Hooks’ “feminist Politics” sheds light on how feminist theory developed among women based on their unique experiences and how it differs for women in a patriarchal society where women are expected to please men. Bell Hooks goes on to talk about her own experiences growing up as a young black girl and how gender views made her feel limited in her family. The “The Politics of Housework” highlight the uniqueness and differences between them in the fight for equality, utilizing both personal experiences and various approaches that are relevant to them given that policymaking is largely male-dominated and prioritizes men over women. Both articles show that the “personal is political” using their personal experiences to shape society’s voice in the area women are oppressed. The “Politics of Housework” served as an example of political activism in the sense of efforts to effect social change while utilizing various techniques and abilities based on their individual experiences (pg. 3). On the other hand, “The Myth of the Vaginal Orgasm” describes how living in a male-dominated society that has not attempted to transform women’s roles but instead continues to oppress women down to the vaginal level, claiming that organism failure is caused by frigidity and advising women with frigidity to seek psychiatric care. Freud created this myth to appease men. Considering that a man finds the vagina to be very appealing. The clitoris, not the vagina itself, is the location of sexual sensitivity in a woman’s body. in worry that women might seek sex with other women as lovers knowing that the heterosexual organization would be impacted by the acknowledgment of clitoral orgasm.

Eromidayo Olayiwola (Harmony)

Prof. Hollis Glaser

GWS 100-1300

Discussion 8

According to Bell Hook, several great women fought for inclusiveness and equality, which led to different variances in the feminist movement and these have paved way for the fundamental right of all individuals to work in an environment free of harassment, discrimination, and oppression. Adding that, feminism must put the needs of the most marginalized people first. She also argued that sexism, racism, and other forms of oppression all contribute to the everyday experiences of economic instability and gender-based violence for women. In 1923 The National Woman’s Party first recommended the Equal Rights Amendment to end discrimination based on gender and Alice Paul was the founder. This constitutional amendment is to improve women’s standard of living and ensure equal rights and protection.

            Given that labor rights are a human right and that they fight against workplace discrimination regardless of a person’s race, color, religion, sex, political opinion, nationality, or social origin, getting a job has become a gender issue due to the rise in gender inequality, and discrimination in hiring and pay, as well as the right to one’s own body. In addition, women continue to be underrepresented in the workforce and endure societal sexual exploitation and abuse. 146 women were killed in 18 minutes at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory’s upper floors on March 25, 1911, in a tragic incident. Women were employed in this factory, and they had to put in 11 to 12 hours a day without any breaks. Due to the owners’ locking of the fire escape exit doors, employees became trapped inside and committed suicide by jumping from the building instead of burning to death. The women’s rights movement, which included Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, and Ida B. Wells, among others, paved the way for gender justice, not having to be terminated from a job or subjected to discrimination because of gender.

Today’s community has improved because no one has been lynched for expressing their views, and you don’t have to be in the back to be recognized or attacked by the police, in contrast to the 1920s and 1930s when women were disenfranchised, unprotected, and there was no law to protect them in terms of equal opportunity. There is no doubt that all these historical issues contributed to where we are now and where we need to be in terms of an inclusive society where everyone is heard. The automatic sprinkler system was put in place as a result of the tragedy that occurred at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, where unions, religious groups, women’s groups, and community organizations demanded change. In the United States today, every newly built residence or building that rises above the “11-meter trigger height” has automatic sprinklers installed and fire exits opened as a result of the labor act, which results in a minimum wage loss and overtime pay.   The National Labor Relations Act of 1935, the United Auto Workers, the United Association, and many others are examples of different unions that exist in the United States today and represent the interests of the workers who make up their membership.

Prof. Hollis Glaser

GWS 100-1300

Global Feminism

The Nigerian penal code’s section 55, which states that you can beat your wife up to a point when it does not cause harm, made me feel ashamed and embarrassed because I’m from Nigeria. A distinct culture (the Hausa) known as the Muslim Northerners, whose form of government is founded on their religion and culture, dominates the Nigerian system. This law is a “Northern law,” meaning that not all Nigerians must abide by it. The Nigerian government and legislation may be affected by these Northerners, but it is not the dominant law or constitutional law, and as a Nigerian Yoruba girl, I am not subject to this law. It applies to Northerners and is a component of sharia law. It is unfortunate how relative our oppression can be very tragic.

In addition, I am not required to leave my home state because I am married, and each state has its own rules that govern everyone. I am aware of the injustice of the system, but the Northerners are subject to sharia law, and changing this is difficult. No one is too young, according to Afolabi, to fight for gender equality, the right to one’s own body, and the elimination of discrimination till justice prevails.

Furthermore, it is against the constitutional law for children to be abused, oppressed, and exploited against their wishes. While child marriage and exploitation are prohibited by Nigerian constitutional law, Northerner law, which is a form of sharia law, encourages child marriage and discourages education. The main factors working against the rights of girls are the traditional practices that are interconnected to Nigeria’s dominating patriarchal system, in northern Nigeria.

United nations-Working Group on discrimination against women and girls

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.

Eromidayo Olayiwola (Harmony)

Prof. Hollis Glaser

GWS 100-1300

Discussion 5

In a patriarchal society, men rule, subjugate, and exploit women through a system of social norms and practices. Hence, patriarchal violence is any form that establishes, upholds, or avenges men’s authority over women and has the majority of the power. It has an impact on various aspects of society, such as family life and the role of men as head of the family, as well as political leadership, the economy, and religious organizations. As individuals, we take part in it through our daily actions. We cannot avoid participating in it because it is, by nature, a system of inequality built around socially imposed gender norms. Hence, this repressive system affects both men and women equally, and none of us have any control over it. Since individuals make up the system, the patriarch should be acknowledged as both the system and the identity of each individual as it affects the interactive behavior of individuals(AJ).

Institutional

            According to Johnson patriarchal social system is one in which women are treated as inferior and thus exploited. As nature compels and subdues women, they are marginalized and underrepresented in the decision-making processes, social, economic, and political realms. For instance, in Nigeria, most women are perceived to be polite and obedient while those that are single mothers such as divorced are ostracized. This is because male heads of families exert control and male children inherit property in some parts of the region. However, due to sociocultural and political constraints that are deeply rooted in patriarchy, many women struggle to achieve economic independence. After reading the article, I understand that men are born into a patriarchal society. Still, there are many things they can do to change the status quo, such as showing support rather than demeaning women or calling them names like “sluts.” Men should try to make the workplace, family, and board meetings safe places for women by listening, recognizing circumstances that can make women discomfort, and stopping misogynistic behavior.

Personal

Yet, to be a part of a patriarchal society is to constantly be exposed to sexist representations of women as objectified sexual objects, valued exclusively for their utility to males. You perceive women as being too emotional to make good leaders, characterizing their sexual behavior differs from that of males (Pg 12). As a woman, I shouldn’t constantly be marginalized because I experience pain, have heavy menstrual bleeding that keeps me at home, or experience mood swings, but even these things are insufficient to label a woman as weak or as someone who doesn’t take risks. For instance, a particular religious sect in Nigeria prohibits women from attending church while they are menstruation, and there are specific ways one is required to dress if married. However, it should be up to each individual whether they choose to adhere to their faith and beliefs. Reading the article “Feminist Politics” made me realize that feminism should be practiced at home, in schools, at work, and in all institutions. It is not a contest between men and women, nor are men to blame; rather, it is about human rights and everyone deserves to be heard.

Cultural/Structural

Seeing the world through patriarchy entails thinking that men and women are fundamentally different from one another and that males were created in the likeness of a masculine God is not true. Also, it’s not entirely accurate to argue that because men don’t give birth to or breastfeed children, they are unable to bond with them (Pg 11). The patriarchy always finds a means to make women second and a climbing ladder to men manifesto. For instance, even if I have access to education, my culture still sees me as inferior and holds that the only way I can get respected in a society where men are dominant is by getting married. The majority of cultural practices in Africa discriminate against women and confine them to the home and economic dependence. Additionally, some barbaric practices place restrictions on women. For instance, when a woman’s husband passes away, she is compelled by law and custom to wed a relative, and if she refuses, this is interpreted as being wild or rude.

Interpersonal

The patriarchal system is a dynamic process that is always being molded and changed. Johnson claims that patriarchal civilizations are “male-identified” in that our fundamental cultural ideals of what is right, or normal are connected to how we view men and masculinity. He highlights the common usage of the word “man” and male pronouns to refer to both men and women in our language. Language use, behavior, and how we perceive and respond to the world around us are all evolving. Although the system is difficult to change, living in a society where traditions dictate that moms should stay at home and raise their children while fathers should be at work is contrary to the fact that parenting is a joint venture in which both parents share equal responsibility. This is one of the reasons why women are still subjected to significant discrimination in today’s society.

Finally, Johnson says that although the patriarchal system cannot be changed, we do have some freedom to defy tradition and live unique lifestyles. As a result, the pathways we choose to take can either modify or support patriarchy. It is an existential system that we are a part of from birth, making it an unintended system. However, a patriarchal system can be purposefully created when men consistently discriminate against women and make them feel less valued in society. According to Lorde, “There Is No Hierarchy of Oppressions,” and no group has the exclusive right to be free from prejudice. We should combat these discriminatory forces wherever they appear to cause harm, and all genders—binary or non-binary—across all racial and ethnic groups should oppose all forms of bigotry. The system deprives women of their rights while preserving and advancing advantages for men. All that is needed to create a society where everyone may maximize their potential is systematic equality in which everyone participates. Men need to start making deliberate decisions and supporting women in achieving equality since patriarchy is ruled by men. Starting with the individual, home, family, place of employment, and system at large.