A Sociological Perspective On The Oppression Of Women

When groups of individuals are oppressed, they are denied some of the rights, which other members of the society on the other hand enjoy. This means that oppression can induce various social negative consequences, as it does not promote the principle of equality. This paper will focus on the oppression of women in society and attempt to determine the importance of challenging such oppression. Introduction The sociological interpretation of the term oppression is a social act that imposes restriction on a group, individual, or institution. This results in such an individual, group, or institution being devalued and thereby unable to benefit from its position in society. It also leads to exploitation and the deprivation of a

Some theorists believe that the different roles ascribed specifically to each of the genders contribute to gender difference. This stems from basic roles such as the division of labor in the household. The female is expected to fulfill the role of a nurturer while the male is expected to be the provider and protector. Phenomenological and existential feminists focus on the definition women are accorded in a patriarchal society which regards men as superior and therefore entitled to more benefits. The women are either regarded as property or given rights that are similar to those of children in the society. Such cases happen in different cultures around the world. Islam in the interior parts of the Middle East is a culture that accepts the abuse and exploitation of women. Women’s rights in countries such as Iran are poor. Many women live in oppression and are subjected to harsh, unfair and inhumane treatment. There has been an international outcry towards the violation of women’s rights in such parts of the world and efforts continue to be made to help improve the position of women in such oppressive

Liberal feminists are of the view that patriarchy us a sexist patterning of the division of labor. In an ever changing world, the traditional concept of the woman being the home-maker, while the man is the income earner has been replaced by a situation where both parents are bread winners and the home-making is relegated to hired help. This has been partly influenced by the economic conditions of today as well as the recognition that women are also capable of holding positions that were traditionally relegated for men such managers and directors. They are also capable of taking professions that have previously been regarded as better suited for the male such as the military, law enforcement, engineering etc. Patriarchy is a system that many feminists believe has denied women an equal platform of reasoning as well as the opportunity to practice this reasoning. For a long time, women have had no public voice as they were relegated to the role of the household. What exists today can be regarded as double standards to some extent. Though women now have a public voice, they are still expected to manage the