Background Information
Feminism and gender wage inequality is not just about women and does not impact women only. Subordination of women in the public and private realm is a condition that may extend further into the social strata than one might think. Radical feminists upheld the belief that women cannot win equality without winning equality for society. In other words, in a society deeply divided by race and class, women cannot be equals. Do you agree with the radical feminists that women's oppression is the root of all oppression?
Ronald Brownstein's research supports a positive and optimistic shift from mid-twentieth century behaviors and approaches to what may be considered to be present-day wholesome and gender-neutral partnerships. His study leads him to conclude that attitudes and realities continue to change toward inclusively in multiple categories, including gender and wage equality. He states "The survey suggests that men from all rungs on the economic and social ladder were open to the 'partnership of equals."
Leisa Peterson acknowledges progress toward gender equality, and identifies numerous additional complexities generated by those shifts. Accordingly, she examines current studies and extends research to identify gaps and new realities which may even negate any suggestion that women are better-off today than they were during previous generations. Her studies support her conclusions using "...statistics and comparative studies to prove her thesis that women are worse off in several ways."
The impacts of changes in gender equality appear to be consistent within the United States, according to numerous demographics, including race and ethnicity. Fluctuations among subgroups reveal cultural bias, but none the less, change continues to occur. Beyond the workplace, attitudes and behaviors impact ethics in marriage, education, and gender roles. Though Peterson focuses primarily upon feminism within the parameters of career fields and income disparities, she steps back and offers a broad summary. She states, "... it's time to shift away from a mindset limited by who we are not - and instead move toward a self-image that's shaped by who we really are."
Instructions
- Read 3.3 in Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Social Issues.
- Navigate to the threaded discussion below and respond to the following:
- Based on the selections by Brownstein and Peterson, for the next elected president to be a woman, what would you recommend for a feminist platform that would have the greatest chance of success with American voters?
- Do you think the election of a woman president is biblical? Why, or why not?
- Your initial posting should be approximately 250 words in length