fElizabeth has 13 post(s)

Following land privatization, Federici cites events that occurred in Europe, which led to the “degradation of women”, in “The Accumulation of Labor and the Degradation of Women.” One event described by Ferderci was the land privatization in England. According to Federci, England acquired the land through “Enclosures”. (78) “Enclosures” in England directly impacted the role of women and how they were regarded in society.

Federici states that prior to land privatization, England used an open-field system for farming. This system allowed the villagers to own and live off several pieces of land. This system was removed and replaced, by English Lords and wealthy farmers. The farming land was taking away and enclosed by the use of fences. This impacted the entire agricultural society, as agricultural became commercialized. Producing goods was for markets or for exporting, and no longer served as a food source for the village.

Following land privatization, women were seen as playing an inferior role in society. Since a commercialized society was more important, work in the home became less valued and considered “women’s labor”(84). Women could not obtain jobs that would provide a salary. If they did earn something, it was very little as compared to men. This caused women to become dependent on men in order to survive. The author also cites that when women were labeled as housewives in the 19^th century, this further degraded a woman’s place in society. Employers used the income men earned to control women and make them more dependent (84). “

“Enclosures” also prevented women to socialize at community events and share ideas with other women. This was because common land was seized along with the farming land. With limited interactions, women were being controlled. According to Ferderici, elderly women were even more vulnerable as they faced poverty and had no one to care for them. They were reduced to stealing and borrowing in order to survive.

In Chapter 3 of Davis’ book Women, Race, and Class, Davis does convey the relationship between gender, race, and class. This relationship is revealed in the depiction and the contributions made by Sojourner Truth at the first National Convention on Women’s Rights in Massachusetts. Ms. Truth was an ex-slave who fought for equal rights for all women.

At this convention, Ms. Truth reveals that although white women were in attendance at the convention, the white women exhibited racism toward black women. Nevertheless, Ms. Truth unlike the white women in attendance was brave and took on all that were in attendance with her famous speech. This speech silenced all the negative remarks she had been receiving from the crowd. Moreover, Davis reveals that Ms. Truth’s speech exposed that all women share the same gender and should all possess equal rights. Her message was heard and helped to remind white women as well as men, that all women were equal. Ms. Truth further reveals in her speech that race and class should not impact ones’ womanhood and her right to be free.   Davis acknowledges that class does not dictate a women’s right to have equal rights. Economics should not play a role in the women’s movement.

In Chapter 3, Davis reveals the relationship between gender, race, and class through the depiction of Sojourner Truth’s contribution for the women’s movement. Her speech that she bravely gave at the convention in Massachusetts revealed that gender was an issue in the eyes of men, as well as in the views from white women. Race and Class equally impacted the sexist views, as black women seemed more inferior to white women because they came from different economic backgrounds. Nevertheless, her famous speech helped to energize the women’s movement and it called for equal rights and freedom for all women.

Hi,

I am Elizabeth Montalvo.  I am a Hunter QUEST student studying to prepare to become an Elementary School teacher – Grades 1-6.  In addition, I am also an English major.  I hope to specialize in Special Education.  I am a wife and mother of 4 children.  I look forward to taking this class and hope to use this knowledge and apply it my future classrooms and everyday life.