An examination of the causes, types and effects on women and& men. In cludes research, management, examples, theories, responsibilities, child and family issues, sexual harassment and more.
3,825 words (approx. 15.3 pages), 17 sources, 2000, $ 135.95
Abstract Discrimination against women in the workplace is exhibited in a variety of ways, ranging from the sexual harassment to the exclusion of women from "the old boys' club" where major decisions are made. Thus, in spite of the massive entry of women in the workplace and the increasing numbers of women in mid-level managerial positions, top-level positions remain as elusive to women today as they were more than a decade ago. Working in a world dominated by male decision-makers and their established practices, women encounter a variety of barriers impeding their surge to the top of their careers
From the Paper " Discrimination against women in the workplace is exhibited in a variety of ways, ranging from the sexual harassment to the exclusion of women from "the old boys' club" where major decisions are made. Thus, in spite of the massive entry of women in the workplace and the increasing numbers of women in mid-level managerial positions, top-level positions remain as elusive to women today as they were more than a decade ago. Working in a world dominated by male decision-makers and their established practices, women encounter a variety of barriers impeding their surge to the top of their careers. Few women have managed to shatter the "glass ceiling"-the concept used to describe the barriers blocking women from top-level positions. The effects of the discrimination on women are manifested in the erosion of their identity and the desexualization of successful..."
From the Paper "Intermarriage is one sign of the assimilation of a foreign population in their new country. Such marriages, however, often encounter numerous difficulties, from discrimination to cultural tensions between the husband and wife. Racial intermarriage involves the added difficulty of different racial backgrounds, which also create instances of discrimination and problems fitting into the community. The marriages of Japanese women and American men constitute one such intermarried population facing particular problems and issues.
When the Japanese started arriving in the United States in the 1890s, anger about the Chinese was simply transferred to the newcomers, and the focus of hostility and agitation against the Japanese was in California, as had been the case with hostility toward the Chinese. This was also where most of the continental Japan..."
Abstract The essay deals with the different roles of women in early medieval Europe and how they were affected by the spread of Christianity. Wives and the effect of new, Christianity inspired, marriage laws are discussed as well as the changing status of unmarried women, widows and female serfs. Female missionaries, nuns and saints all boosted the status of women. The role of Queens before and after the adoption of christianity is covered, dealing with the positive and negative changes that took place. The essay concludes that overall christianity had a positive effect on the role and status of women.500-1000A.D.
From the Paper "The role and status of women in Western Europe between ca.500 and ca.1000 did change due to Christianity. However whether the female role and status in society was diminished or improved depends on a number of factors. Primarily, the type of woman in question must be taken into consideration. Queens, for example, were affected in a different way to female serfs. Secondly, we must also look at the role and status of women before the emergence of Christianity to make a valid judgement of change after ca.500. Thirdly, to a certain extent, the origin of the woman is a factor; Christianity affected different parts of Europe in a manner of different ways."
Research into the woman's role in the development of the contemporary male-dominated society, focusing on one of America's feminist activists, Gloria Steinem.
Abstract This paper studies the role of women in the development of the contemporary male-dominated society by taking into consideration the relentless efforts of America's one of the top eleven prominent female figures, Gloria Steinem. Furthermore, the paper revolves around Steinem's various facets of headstrong personality, outlining her accomplishments, her positive attitude towards life in general, her ability to take up women issues strongly and her valor to raise her voice against injustices and gender bias related to women.
From the Paper "Gone are the days when there was little evidence to suggest that female awakening to gender discrimination and fundamental issues exists. Today, women are not only opinionated and self-reliant, they are also well aware of what they want and how to accomplish their goals and receive the share due them. Women of the contemporary society are working diligently and with absolute commitment to prove their worth as human beings with rational thinking and sound decision-making skills."
Tags: female, male, society, gender, bias, sexism, equality, rights
Abstract The paper examines Hannah Webster Foster's "The Coquette" written at the end of the 18th century. It discusses how the main character Eliza Wharton, is actually based on Elizabeth Whitman who Foster knew, who was involved in a scandal at the time with an evangelical minister. The topic of the story together with the seduction, betrayal and death in childbirth of Elizabeth Whitman, made Foster the first woman born in America to publish a novel. It looks at how the work is as revolutionary in its own way as much of what men were writing in the late 18th century, but her words were of less effect and soon forgotten because they concerned the inalienable rights of women, not men at a time in which women themselves believed in their own right to liberty or the pursuit of happiness.
From the Paper "Certainly in its own time the novel was popular in large measure because of the real people whom its readers believed to lie behind the characters. But it must also have been at least to some extent popular then (as it is still appealing to us today) because it allows us a compassionate view of the ways in which women were constrained by their society. The Coquette is a story of powerlessness of women, certainly, but it is more importantly about how women can refuse to accept such powerlessness as their due. Foster's own refusal to accept the social role designated for her as a minister's wife cam in the brief period between 1797 to 1799 when she wrote her two novels. After this, she would devote herself to raising her six children and helping her husband."
Tags: seduction, scandal, priest, betrayal, death, childbirth, women, society
Abstract Examining this controversial piece of writing which was published at the end of the 19th century. The piece is written by a middle class woman about her experience in marriage, during birth and the emotional struggles thereafter. The paper shows how it was a step towards declaring one's independence and feminism and how this was shunned by many. This paper looks at the public's reactions to "The Yellow Wallpaper" and their criticism thereof.
From the Paper "Charlotte Perkins Gilman's short story, The Yellow Wallpaper, published toward the end of the 19th century, left its initial audience's opinion divided. Some praised the work, while others felt that it should never have been printed. In fact, the publisher of The Atlantic Monthly in 1892, Horace Scudder, responded to Gilman's attempt at publication with a short, to the point note. "Dear Madam, Mr. Howells has handed me this story. I could not forgive myself if I made others as miserable as I have made myself! Sincerely yours, H. E. Scudder" (University of Texas)."
The current staus of women in India as it pertains to their involvement in society and the barriers that they must confront due to gender discrimination.
Abstract This paper explores the treatment of women in India; how religion and education influence their lives and provides a historical explanation as to their current status. Contrasts western ideas with the philosophy of patriarchal dominance. Includes a discussion on how and why women retain the inferior roles in Indian society.
From the Paper "Breathtaking beauty exists in the historic Himalayas, tombs and temples that liter the landscape; all are magnificent aspects of the exquisite country of India. Still, beneath the powering peaks and popular tourist destinations lies an ugly reality. India is a country in southern Asia, and is bound on the north by Afghanistan, China, Nepal, and Bhutan; on the east by Bangladesh, Myanmar and the Bay of Bengal; on the south by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mann"r and the Indian Ocean; and on the west by the Arabian Sea and Pakistan. India is divided into a total of 28 states and 7 union territories and New Delhi is the country's capital. The land is composed various types of topography; everything from deserts to dunes and forests to fertile river plains. India has the second highest population of any country in the world. For many years it was composed of kingdoms and empires, but today it consists of many populous cities. The western world may see India in terms of its thriving urban areas filled with bustling businesses and people from every race, class and community, but what most don"t see is the fear and heartache that occupy many women's faces."
This paper discusses the book "From Out of the Shadows: Mexican Women in Twentieth-Century America," by Dr. Vicki Ruiz, specifically, as it gives voice to Mexican-American women.
2,110 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 2 sources, 2002, $ 66.95
Abstract This paper discusses, from all angles, at home, at work and in the community, Twentieth-Century Mexican-American women, descendents of some of the first immigrants to the United States. The paper reviews Ruiz's book that shows Mexican-America women working for menial wages to help support the family and suffering from stereotypes. The author states that, although often history texts can be dry and lifeless, Ruiz's text comes alive with the voices of the women about whom she writes.
From the Paper "Each of the causes of change was important and devastating, but probably the most devastating was the discovery of gold in California. Mexican-Americans had long made California their home, and some owned extensive ranchos, but California glittered too brightly, and the United States took the country for its own in 1850. The rancho way of life disappeared, especially when the ranchos belonged to women, which was not unusual in Mexican society. Unlike the U.S., Mexican women could and did own their own property, but their title was not recognized when the U. S. annexed California, and they lost much if not all of their land."
Abstract This paper discusses the role of the Italian-American women in American cinema and the functions that they fulfill within the Italian-American community and draws a comparison between Italian-American female roles and the parts played by American actresses. It examines some of the more famous Italian-American female characters in films such as cinematic masterpieces such as ?The Godfather" and "True Love" and how they are usually portrayed as working class and victims of violence. It shows how both Italian-American and American female characters in movies are challenged by a patriarchal society. The only difference is that the American character is free to do something about it even if all odds are against her whereas the Italian-American female characters on the other hand do not possess that luxury because their cultural norms do not allow such liberties.
From the Paper "Then there are directors such as Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola who have made powerful Mafia movies "Goodfellas" and "The Godfather" respectively. Even though the main theme of their movies is the havoc that the mafia wrecks in the lives of Italian-American immigrants there always exists a strong underlying theme that relates the role of the mothers, daughters and wives of these mafia members. In short the role of the "family". For example in a comic scene in the "Goodfellas" Scorsese makes a connection between food and death when Tommy's mother serves them a mouth-watering meal just after her son and his friends have returned from trying to commit murder."
Abstract This paper evaluates how the images of women depicted in movies can be excellent indicators of a society's view of women in that time period and how a look at some of Disney's well-known characters can give us insight into the expectations of women at the time each movie was produced. It analyzes the female lead characters from 13 different Disney films, including "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Cinderella," "The Little Mermaid," "Pocahontas," and "Mulan." It explores the themes of rescue, romantic attraction and reaction in times of adversity and shows how the disparity between the Disney heroines prior to 1960 and after 1989 could not be more obvious. The earlier female leads are weak and passive. They depend entirely on others to help save them when in trouble and their major priorities are cooking, cleaning, looking beautiful and waiting for their princes to come. The later female leads are strong and active. They actually play the role of hero and rescuer more frequently than the men.
From the Paper "Snow White never for a moment considers defying the Evil Queen. She never refuses the chores that are forced upon her, never thinks of running away, and is innocent to the point of naivet?. She completely trusts the huntsman who leads her into the woods to kill her, as well as the old woman who gives her the poisoned apple. It is her beauty alone that saves her, compelling the Prince to fall in love with her and kiss her. We have no evidence that she possesses any intelligence, wit, courage, or personal strength, but if she does, they are of no use to her. She is completely dependent on the help of others, and she is very childlike. Her voice is extremely high-pitched, and she runs after the Dwarfs? approval like a small child seeking the approval of her parents."
This paper traces the traditional role of women amd the image of the stereotyped woman and contends that the entry of women into politics was related to their emancipation from restrictive traditional roles.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 5 sources, 1972, $ 87.95
From the Paper "The lives of women must take new directions if they are to achieve identity and recognition at home and at work. Simone de Beauvoir, author of The Second Sex, puts it this way:
If the woman question seems trivial, it is because masculine arrogance has made of it a "quarrel"; and, when quarreling, no one any longer reasons well. People have tirelessly sought to prove that woman is superior, inferior or equal to man..We must discard the vague notions of superiority, equality, which have hitherto corrupted every discussion of the subject and start afresh .
If by "starting afresh" Miss de Beauvoir means emancipating women, then we are in for a new set of troubles because the so.called emancipated women of the '60s and '70s have turned in miscarriages, menstrual pains and "female" troubles for ulcers, ... "
From the Paper The purpose of this research is to show that the Athenian woman was not as completely debased or as secluded as sometimes presented. The social, political and legal rights of women during this ancient period of Greece's history will be reviewed. Also covered will be evidence of women's participation in religious ceremonies.
The point is a difficult one to prove - or disprove - it depends from which viewpoint in history you are looking at the Greeks; it also depends, since the Greeks had a caste system of sorts, which economic class you are concentrating on.
To the Victorian woman, whose only legitimate role was to marry and be supported and protected by her husband, the glamorous, educated lives of the "hetairai" (prostitutes), if they were allowed to be aware of them, would have seemed like devilishly- ... "
This paper analyzes Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Scarlet Letter": Themes, characters, structure and emphasizes the character Hester Prynne, feminism, historical-social implications.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 10 sources, 1981, $ 55.95
From the Paper The following research is on the subject of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. This novel was published over 150 years ago in a very different age. Men and women both had different things expected of them then, and this was also true of the period covered by the novel, a period with even greater strictures on behavior and attitude. Still, there are certain aspects of the character of Hester Prynne that can be seen as presaging the concerns of the feminist in the 20th Century. Hester is not really a rebel in any direct sense, but she does challenge the beliefs and values of the community by her very presence in it and by her strength in the face of adversity. Her fight is the same one that was fought by so many others in the two centuries to come. She was in no way leading others to follow what she had done, nor was she battling for rights for
From the Paper " In spite of the gains made by the women's movement toward gender equality in American life, true equality has not been achieved in many areas, including the economic sphere. Surveys show that women on average earn significantly less than male workers, and indeed more than this, that women are paid significantly less than men for the same work. The overall figure usually given is that women earn sixty cents for every dollar paid to a male worker. One of the ways activists have tried to address this issue is to raise the solution of Comparable Worth whereby the nature of every job would be analyzed so that people doing the same job would be paid the same for their work regardless of gender. Legislation could be introduced, at the federal level, calling for the implementation of a national program of comparable (...)"
From the Paper " The views of men and women differ regarding the appropriateness, acceptability, and effects on society of soft pornography. Men tend to believe it is harmless, while women have expressed the belief that it is degrading and contributes to the general societal sexism that diminishes a woman's value to society.
An examination of this thesis is one fraught with emotional and political minefields. The debate over pornography often takes place in a charged atmosphere; thus, it becomes difficult to separate issues clearly and see them for what they really are. At the base of any discussion about pornography, however, one must recognize that the issue strikes at the very heart of male(...)"