Patriarchy and the System

Both of these readings do a great job of explaining the system wide effects which produce feminine oppression. Johnson's explanation was very interesting. Johnson explains how an individual bases his or her beliefs upon what they have experienced. yet these experiences happen within a system with certain characteristics. Thus, the system reinforced the beliefs of individuals who then act according to these unseen rules in their own lives. It is through this way that patriarchy affects the lives of men and women within our society. It also shows how hard it is to understand or fight oppression as many men and women are not aware of how social norms effect their lives and decision making processes. I personally think that the best way to combat this oppression is to continue to teach children that men and women are equal in every respect. In this way the underlying assumptions which produce the sexism which both the authors describe will be eroded. I think this is a better method than a radical attempt to change the way people think as it is nearly impossible to change the way people think about themselves and others after they reach a certain age.