The Matrix Of Domination In American Society

The matrix of domination is a complex social and psychological construct common in humans but has a unique perspective in the United States. There is an underlying cosmology that men are better leaders, less emotional and generally have a better thought process than women in general.

“Additive models of oppression are firmly rooted in the either/or dichotomous thinking of Eurocentric, masculinist thought.”- Collins

Patriarchy manifested itself in the industrial revolution and in the plantation lifestyle of the south. This unspoken code defined that a dominant male in power was the principle decision maker for large groups of “inferior” people including women, children and servants/slaves. While this idea maybe most evident in white men, there is a central thought that a man, any man deserves power and respect merely by virtue of being a man. Men identify with a profile of being a protector, a provider and a strong central figure; this however, rarely proves to be the truth in modern society, rather a man who shows himself to be dependent on a woman for care appears to be weaker, not stronger.

The power roles of race and gender left women of color on the lowest rung on the ladder in hierarchy.

In the Matrix Reader, the authors discuss how women of color denied even the lower rung positions in sales and office positions left them as domestics, carrying on roles from slavery.

“Each minority group has had a different experience in American society and has faced different opportunities and obstacles. Women in each group share with African American women the concerns of all minority women; they share with the men of their ethnic groups the problems of discrimination against that particular ethnic

minority.”
(Abby 369)

Traditionally, men were the providers. Women have been considered spoils of war, a helper to a man in a marriage and often property. Modern men might yield financial power over a woman, threatening loss of security for her and her children if dominance is challenged. Women often unwittily or with resistance support this idea by being the person that is the primary cook, caregiver and cleaner in a relationship. Some men might feel these duties were below their dignity or that women have more energy to accomplish them. This arrangement worked to some degree where women did not work beyond the home. When the man was the principle wage earner in a relationship and a female partner could devote energy solely to the house, children and needs of a partner. As women took on new duties in the work world they often found themselves pulling double duty. As women become more independent they may be resisting marriage or leaving relationships where this balance of security is dysfunctional.
This plantation idea is being contested currently in higher politics. The concept of “first lady”, the women who stands behind the president of the united states is an old one and reflects the plantain model. This system no longer valid in a new thought pattern of roles of men and women. It is unlikely that it would have been appropriate to a former president to take on the role of “hostess” at the white house if we had elected a female president. Most first ladies have a taken stronger role than that of a house keeper since the mid 20th century to reflect stronger female values and roles.
Men are also resisting an outdated idea of roles and psychologically damaging behavior modes,
Dan Griffin, M.A., in his book A Man’s Way through Relationships Defines an un-written cultural code for heterosexual men.
• Be a protector
• Integrity
• Courage
• Responsibility
• Be a provider
• Don’t be a girl
• Don’t be gay
• Don’t Cry
• Don’t lose Control
• Don’t ask for help
• Don’t show emotion
• Don’t be weak
• Don’t back down
• Don’t be vulnerable
Griffin believes the lack of cultural permission to express emotions in an unrealistic “man code” creates a Rage/Anger cycle, where rage replaces actual appropriate emotional reactions.
Griffin also defines the unspoken role of women
• Be emotional
• Be passive
• Be quiet
• Be nice
• Be domestic
• Be selfless/care for everyone other than yourself
• Be thin
• Be beautiful
• Be a nurturer
• Be a mother
• Be in relationship with a man
• Be weak
Today’s uncertain political atmosphere is a reaction and back lash to the years of positive progress towards gender and racial equality. While some white men might genuinely believe, they have been marginalized and perhaps discriminated against in the work place, they might fail to realize the greater implications to change. It is important for people of any race and gender to understand that to remain competitive in business you must offer excellent skills, rather than rely on gender itself to garner respect.