Identifying terms Essay Example for Free

Identifying terms Essay Oppression The definition of oppression is broad as it encompasses many subgroups but according to Hurtado (1989), oppression is caused by society’s view that men, both white and of color, are more powerful then women. Oppression is not classified only by gender differences but other societal groups as well. Gender is only one category of many, such as, race and ethnicity. Social class is another category is which the wealthy have oppressed the poor. An example of this would be the opportunities for wealthy Americans to afford housing and health insurance and the job opportunities afforded them. Many women of color, African American, Asian, and Hispanic are found to be working in low wage jobs more often then white women. The minorities are unable to receive the same educational and financial benefits as the majority and so they must settle for less. Economic differences can be found between white men and white or colored women, colored men and colored women, and white women and women of color. This difference represents the different levels of oppression, with white men being the top oppressors. In today’s society, most oppression is seen in social class. As the wealthy are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer and the middle class is slowly being wiped out. Therefore the poor are at the mercy of the rich. Beyond Bean Counting The United States has become obsessed with classifying society into subgroups, causing each group to have a stereotypical value. Lee (2001) wrote of her personal experience with her growth and understanding of feminism. Bean counting is considered the attempt to classify people according to class, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation (2001). Bean counting is marginalization, considering certain societal groups as inferior or as being limited as to their abilities. Women, and especially women of color, have been marginalized throughout history, by being considered the fairer sex. Different ethnic groups have excluded one another by not recognizing their similarities and accepting their differences. Lee (2001) explains that by bean counting women are causing immobilization and narrow thinking. Seduction and Rejection White men are socialized into believing women are inferior, however they are also taught that white women, though inferior, are an appropriate choice for relationships (Hurtado, 1989). This socialization causes the oppression of women; especially women of color because they are seen as a deviation from the norm and they are then excluded from the many rights given to those who fit the norm. White men and women tend to have a better chance at a good education, financial assistance etc. however colored men and women do not share the same good fortune, they are rejected from the benefits that white men or women can receive. Heterosexuality as a Modern Invention Lorber (1992) explains in her article that women and men were not seen as biologically different pre-eighteenth century and once that difference was established women began to suffer gender inequalities. Society has become two classes; men and women, which has created gender stereotypes of each. Today’s society compares women to the abilities of men because society see’s women as so biologically different than man; and thus inferior. Heterosexuality categorizes men and women as seen as the norm. Compulsory Heterosexuality Compulsory heterosexuality is the assumption that men and women are naturally attracted to one another and to defy the norm is deviant behavior. Lee (2001) describes this â€Å"norm† as excluding many other groups in society. As Lorber (1992) explains, society has created social differences between men and women and with that, ideals which consider heterosexuality to be the right way. This has caused homosexual individuals to be discriminated against. Any person not practicing the â€Å"norm† is considered wrong and therefore has fewer rights than others. Homosexual or bisexual women are forced to compete not only with men being superior, but also heterosexual women. Women of color are in even fiercer competition for their rights, as they are seen as in society as inferior to white women, heterosexual women, men of color and heterosexual men.