Assignment 06
As mentioned by the first chapter, capitalism was built on sexism and racism. Feudalism, the financial society before capitalism, was based on raids, murder and control (2004; 19). With capitalism on the rise, people were curious of the new constraints, considering feudalism’s break down. Socioeconomics were changing to where the commoners were possibly able to move up in the economic ladder. However, women and minorities were affected by this decision. For example, Native Americans and Africans were exploited in the 1600s from colonists to profit (2004; 19). This was one of the most visible signs of racism and capitalism. Europeans were able to take another nationality and race, and keep them as slaves. This exploitation of a group of people led to the immense wealth of another group, starting the racial socioeconomics of the United States. How women were exploited was based on the fact that many were degraded in the process of the Industrialization of Western nations.
As people entered the New World, also known as North America, the woman’s role began to change. Beforehand, women were considered somewhat important in feudalism, being in the center of life for multiple roles (2004; 28). With capitalism, this role shifted. Thanks to the policies of privatizing land and owning property, individualism was expected for agriculture. Since this was becoming a greater need, women were expected to help the men when needed, but also not considered as important. Instead, their role was expected to juggle manual labor and housework. However, as this practice continued, women became to become more vocal and then restrained (2004; 30). The brief freedom felt during this period was immediately taken away, and continued to spiral out of control.
Women were constrained to their personal spaces in their households. They were expected to be fully responsible for reproduction and keep the family stable with their work. Thanks to this, women were becoming more financially dependent on males, while unable to make their own wage (2004; 31). This made males able to own property and become successful in the capitalist society. However, women were only as successful as their husbands, and were risking to lose this status at any time, even if their husband passed away. As Industrialization entered lives, women were expected to enter the work force to support industries. However, they were not given the same wage compensation, rights or privileges as their male counterparts (2004; 40). Males were given these economic pillars, improving capitalism at the expense of women.
