In this novel, Julia Alvarez manages to capture and express the true feelings of women which deconstructs the stereotypes through Yo. Feminism is defined as “a political movement that works to achieve equal rights for women and men” (Hirsch 113). For the past ages, women were seen in the society as inferior to men and were greatly excluded from education and the right to property ownership. A British feminist named Mary Wollstonecraft argues, “educational restrictions keep women in a state of ignorance and slavish dependence” (Blake 117). The shattering of classifications and stereotypes, and the subversion of traditional gender roles, and the concept of sisterhood or unity among women are among the main tenets of feminist criticism.
A Closer Look Into the Middle Ages During the Middle Ages, in a time where religion dictated society, women were affected greatly. They were restricted in numerous ways having strict policies pertaining to music, ministry, education, and their role in their communities minimizing their opportunities to reach their full potential. Nevertheless, many distinguished women found ways to prosper. One women in particular, Hildegard von Bingen, had a different perspective and attempted to break this gender barrier that women in the middle ages dared to overcome. The Medieval period was a time where men were perceived as superior in comparison to women.
As such, it moves beyond the scope of one's own interests and takes into account the interests of others.” (Cavalier, 2002) With the Women’s Rights Movement, there were a lot of pros and cons that can about, mostly positives. Women are now seen in a different light after a long deliberation and fighting. Most of the country is more so scared of the fact women are rising from the wood works. They are taking charge of positions and moving on and changing this societies culture. Culture is the “particular ways of belief in society and ways of life; a way of thinking, behaving, or working
Furthermore, these groups also had the potential of producing social activists. Unfortunately, although many women attended the C-R groups, they were unwilling to participate actively in the social movement to challenge the patriarchal society (Buechler 72-3). Through this discussion, Buechler raises the interesting point that a raised consciousness does not equate with a desire to transform society. Furthermore, the unwillingness of these women to participate in social activism illuminates the differences that divide women in their perceptions of feminism. For these women, their heightened consciousness that has enabled them to transform various aspects of their personal lives may be sufficient.
It is certain that feminism is a cross-cutting ideology, encompassing the three broad traditions of liberal traditions, socialist feminism and radical feminism, but whether it is today a single doctrine or still simply a sub-set of others can be greatly debated. Feminism can be seen as a single doctrine in that all feminists are concerned to advance the social role of women. Feminists all agree that the advancement of women in society is their main priority, believing that society is characterised by unequal gender power and status, and that gender inequality can be altered or reversed. All feminists believe that in order to advance a woman’s social status, liberation is necessary. Liberation is seen to be achieved through raising women’s consciousness of subjugation.
Due to the limited amount of resources and the restrictions laid upon women for practicing rhetoric, it is astonishing how many women were still able to make a significant impact on the field of rhetoric which I feel has paved the way for women’s liberations rights today. Christine de Pizan portrayed the art of rhetoric through language and letter writing as she challenged the boundaries of women’s input at the time. She sought to save the reputation of women, who at the time were being slandered and shine a new spotlight for women’s advancement. It is imperative that more time and space be dedicated to Christine De Pizan in Herricks textbook of rhetoric and many more to follow. Christine De Pizan is a brave woman who stood up to the verbal assaults on women in the 14th century.
Leadership traits identified with masculinity hurt women in the workplace due to stereotypical association. Physically, a woman has more on her plate outside of her job, whether it be taking care of family chores or giving up her working form by deciding to have a child. Men’s expected duties are focused in the workplace, while women have to balance all of their responsibilities, which cover more areas than just their careers. This expectation results in women being perceived as employees who don’t apply themselves based on quantity of time, rather than quality of work and effort. The Glass Ceiling is a result of society’s expectations of women, to assume the roles of both a career woman and a mother.
Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” (Lopez A5) It is evident that over the course of history, the plight of women has caused women of different circumstances and problems to be empowered and exert their full efforts to bring about necessary reforms and many times have they succeeded. With that said, women empowerment should be about more than just breaking the bounds of repression, but more than that, being truly free to be women who remain true to the authentic set of morals and standards they have set for themselves. It is important that women develop a sense of purpose within them and make use of their personal potential, not only for the benefit of themselves, but more importantly, for the betterment of society. That spark of purpose has to emerge and start with the self until it burns brighter to enlighten those around them; the potential of a woman has the power to be truly
Empowerment can divide genders and races. For example, the empowerment of women. There was a time when women was seen and not heard. those times are gone now. Women became strong, and took the power from within, and show the “man” that they are people too.
Past Struggles Paved the Way for Women Today American History Since 1865 Gretchen Henderson January 22, 201 Since biblical times, women have been subjugated to allowing others to make decisions for them. There has been a series of assumptions and usurpations of power over women. This is because women were falsely deemed as the weaker gender and referred to as the “weaker sex” and not being able to make life’s decisions on their own. However this thought of reasoning limited the power of women. Therefore in the end of the 19 century things were about to change and women begin to fight for more rights.