Katherine DeLong Professor Lampley RSOC 184 December 10, 2015 Final Project During this quarter, we have discussed in depth the interwoven nature of race, nation, and religion. These three concepts have proven to be deeply intertwined, to the point of inextricability. In order to discuss one of the three categories, one must simultaneously consider the repercussions of the other two. This concept has become clearer throughout the course, and it has taught me a lot about how these facets interact. However, one area that we did not have enough time to cover in depth would be the interaction of gender. This is a large topic, and though we were able to touch on it there was simply not enough time to give it a full analysis. Therefore, I will attempt …show more content…
The generic feminist movement consists of “white, middle-class heterosexual women” (Tong 42). These women focus on their needs, and neglect the specific needs of many women of color, who are often of a lower socioeconomic standing. White feminists focus on liberating the oppressive “housewife role,” (Tong 214) and fail to even attempt to include minority women who may in fact dream of a life in which they were able to stay home with their children. White feminists “fail to realize that it is possible to oppress people by ignoring their differences” (Tong 214). This issue makes it difficult for many non-white women to relate to or desire to be a part of the feminist movement. This movement, which should be for all women united in solidarity, effectively excludes non-white and non-middle class women. This issue exists within the United States where women have equal constitutional rights and are encouraged to seek the same positions as men. In the United States, many non-white women in lower socioeconomic groups are forced to work more than one job. This puts these women in a very different category than middle-class to affluent women, who can afford to stay home with their children. These affluent women often attempt to raise awareness for women of their own socioeconomic standing, encouraging them to go back to work. This attempt at ‘empowerment’ drastically neglects the needs of women who are already working, perhaps more than one job, and still cannot afford to raise their children or feed their