Explain how the five properties of a subordinate or minority group apply to women.Discussthe similarities between the status of African Americans and that of women

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Women are an oppressed group even though they form the numerical majority.They are a social minority in the United States and throughout Western society.Men dominate in influence, prestige, and wealth. Women do occupy positions ofpower, but those who do are the exceptions.

The five properties of a subordinate or minority group can be applied to women as follows:

1 . Women do experience unequal treatment. Although they are not segregated by residence, they are victims of prejudice and discrimination.
2 . Women have physical and cultural characteristics that distinguish them from the dominant group (men).
3 . Membership in the subordinate group is involuntary.
4 . Through the rise of contemporary feminism, women have become increasingly aware of their subordinate status and have developed a greater sense of group solidarity.
5 . Women are not forced to marry, yet many women feel that their subordinate status is most irrevocably defined within marriage.

A background of suffrage campaigns, demonstrations, sit-ins, lengthy court battles, and self-help groups is common to the movements for equal rights for both women and African Americans. The negative stereotypes directed at the two groups are quite similar: Both groups have been considered emotional, irresponsible, weak, or inferior. Both are thought to fight subtly against the system: women allegedly try to outwit men by feminine wiles, as historically Blacks allegedly outwitted Whites by pretending to be deferential or respectful. To these stereotypes must be added another similarity: Neither women nor African Americans are accepting a subordinate role in society any longer.