Feminism and Institutional Oppression
As the rise of feminism advanced and reaped enormous benefits such as advancements in women rights, equality amongst men and equality within the work force, however, had failed to advance outdated ideologies that decayed societal progress creating gender and identity oppression. As feminism had risen, leaving behind the bigger problem, the epidemic of institutional and identity oppression were omnipresent in that contemporary world is a testament to this claim. Institutional oppression is the systematic mistreatment of people within a social identity group, enforced and supported by the society and its institutions, based on the person’s membership and social identity within a social group. Although varying in magnitude, institutional oppression persists in developed and underdeveloped societies, whether a feminist or not, whether white or African American. The question arises; can one be a feminist without fundamentally challenging and changing Institutional oppression? This paper will outline the key components of Institutional oppression with reference to Bell Hooks and Barb Thomas, namely racism, sexism and identity oppression that I came across within the readings.
As Bell hooks introduces, feminism being a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation and oppression. She gives us an insight on the rise of feminism and how feminism advanced overtime and the problems faced. Followed by, ignoring yet constantly touching up upon the bigger problem of Institutional oppression, in specific racism, gender injustice and sexism amongst women themselves. Which continues to contradict the notion of feminism itself that has been introduced by Bell hooks.
In reference to the quotation provided to us by Bell hooks. “…They simply emphasized that we could only become sisters in struggle by confronting the ways women – through sex, class, and race – dominated and exploited other women,” (Hooks 3). Women’s exploiting other women is a big problem to begin with. Especially,
As Bell hooks introduces, feminism being a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation and oppression. She gives us an insight on the rise of feminism and how feminism advanced overtime and the problems faced. Followed by, ignoring yet constantly touching up upon the bigger problem of Institutional oppression, in specific racism, gender injustice and sexism amongst women themselves. Which continues to contradict the notion of feminism itself that has been introduced by Bell hooks.
In reference to the quotation provided to us by Bell hooks. “…They simply emphasized that we could only become sisters in struggle by confronting the ways women – through sex, class, and race – dominated and exploited other women,” (Hooks 3). Women’s exploiting other women is a big problem to begin with. Especially,
Cited: Page: Bell Hooks. “Feminist Politics: Where We Stand” “Feminist Education for Critical Consciousness”. (from Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics. pgs.1-6) Barb Thomas. “Learning from Discomfort: A Letter to My Daughters” (from Talking About Identity. pgs.193-211)