Abstract One of the most important rites in the Lakota religion is the vision quest. This paper goes on to elaborate on this area of the Lakota religion.
Abstract This paper describes some of the women who participated in the American Revolution - their lives, their stories and their motives. It examines how these significant women were examples of an undercurrent already present in the American society and how, due to the necessity of war, these women were able to be given the chance to make an impact on the society.
I. Introduction ? Social Status of Women in the Revolution
II. Molly Pitcher ? the real story
A. Evidence supporting her existence
B. Evidence denying her existence
C. An American Icon
D. Other Women who took up Arms
III. Women as Spies
A. Ann Bates
B. Miss Jenny
IV. Life as a Camp Follower
A. Women in Supporting Roles
B. The winds of Equality
C. Abigail Adams
D. Patriotism
V. Men's views on Women in the Revolution
A. Women as a Symbol of the Comforts of Home
From the Paper "Women in the American Revolution played a deciding factor in the success of the colonists in winning their freedom from the Tyranny of England. Traditional roles of men and women had been heavily influenced by the teachings of Christianity in which men were above women and God was above men. The interpretation of this idea was taken rather literally during this time period and many men regarded women as lower beings. During the Revolutionary war women were not considered fit for battle and this was strictly a man's realm. Women were responsible for cooking, mending, sewing, soap making, and other forms of domestic tasks. The onset of the war forced some of these ideas to be loosened due to necessity. The war played a major role in re-defining women's roles in the late 18th century. These ideas began a long series of reforms, which later led to the suffrage movement."
Tags:women, war, america, american, revolution, britain, colonist, equality, feminism
This paper reviews and discusses the historic oppression of black women as well as the existing gap between white and black women as detailed in Bell Hooks' "Ain't I A Woman? Black Women and Feminism."
Abstract This paper explores author Bell Hooks' theoretical perspective on blacks and feminism. Hooks claims that the major cause of oppression to black women came from many sources including white women interested in their own personal gain at the expense of black women and the black men interested in keeping them as second class citizens. This paper discusses the exploitation of women during the slave trade as one of the pioneering ways in the continuing devaluation of black women. The writer contends that Hooks' novel contains relevant research and subsequent evidence that clearly details why a gap still exists between black and white women. The writer of this paper stresses Hooks' desire for all women to bond together and for the struggle for equality to end.
From the Paper "In her research of the exploitation of slaves, Hooks' expertly does not focus on the sexual atrocities committed upon black women. She in fact details the effect brutalizing black women has on the black man, white man, and the white woman. Hooks explores the possibilities of the potential personal gain from dehumanizing black women, some of which include stereotypes/jealousy of the sexuality of a black woman, and "demasculating" the black man (psychological removal of his masculinity) in relation to exploiting 'his' woman. Bell Hooks' research into the hypocrisy of the feminist movement as it relates to white woman is the principal reason why many African American women, myself included, do not want any active participation with the women's movement."
Tags: racism, slavery, women, gender, equality, literature, review, rights
Abstract This paper, which favorably describes the current Islamic regime in Iran, explores the roles of women in both the religious and work worlds. The author begins by describing the role of women according to the teachings of the Koran. The paper further examines the role of women in Iranian society both before and after the Islamic Revolution. The author concludes by stating Iranian women are progressively getting higher educations and achieving more status in the work place. Ultimately, the author believes women will achieve an influential position in Islamic Iranian society.
Outline:
Introduction and Cultural Background
The Iranian Revolution and the Situation of Women Women and Employment
Figure 1. Women aged 10 and Above, Employed in Cities and Villages
Figure 2. Literacy Rate of Females Aged 6 and Above (in percentage)
Conclusion
From the Paper "There is a general perception in the West that the ethical treatment of women in Islamic countries amounts to gender discrimination, oppression and a transgression of basic human rights. This view does not conform to the foundational Islamic teaching. This can be seen from the very outset in the way that the Koran describes the creation of women. In the Holy Scriptures there is no implicit difference made in terms of status or intrinsic value between male and female. In ethical terms, while there are obvious differences between men and women, these gender differences do not impact or affect ethical values and treatment of women. Men and women are seen to be essentially the same in terms of relative value and status. "Despite the distinctions between the treatment of men and the treatment of women when the Qur'an discusses creation of humankind ...there is no essential difference in the value attributed to women and men. There are no indications, therefore, that women have more or fewer limitations than men." (Wadud 15) "
Abstract This paper is about representations of women and celebrities in the media and their effects on average American women. Some of the topics discussed in this paper are the media's portrayal of actresses and celebrities and their affects on teenagers and women, the differences and changes in images of celebrities through the past few decades, the "Culture of slimming" , the objectification and subjectification of women, the psychological, social, physical, and mental effects on the average women, and the power of the entertainment industry.
From the Paper "Over the past few decades, the so-called "norm" for a female figure has drastically changed from voluptuous and curvy to waif-like thin. Many female celebrities have been known for their figures. Historically, Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield were two women who each wore a size 12 and were glorified by men all around the world. Today, celebrities from the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Calista Flockhart are admired for their abilities to become and stay so thin, almost appearing sick. As celebrities come and go, women compare themselves to whoever is "popular" at the time."
Abstract This paper reviews the book "In the Company of Women: Voices from the Women's Movement," and its discussion of women's feelings, beliefs, and convictions toward feminism. Included in this paper is a discussion of Gloria Steinam's foreword to the book, the women profiled in the book, and the author's purpose for writing the book.
From the Paper "This section of the book looks at some of the most powerful women in the women's movement, and shows what they have done with that power. It also shows how these women have banded together and tried to make things different in the professional world, where women were not any more welcome than they were in the blue-collar world. Ellen Dresselhuis, a lawyer, sums up this section perfectly when she says; "It makes a tremendous difference now to have women on the bench. It means that when we go into the courtroom, when my partners and I go into the courtroom, we're not in a foreign world" (Watkins and Rothchild 1996, 273)."
Tags: feminism, women's, movement, feminist, ideal, movement, of, individual, women
This literature essay compares two stories written by Caribbean women authors, and discusses these in relation to women's oral histories and traditions in Caribbean cultural contexts
2,650 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 8 sources, 2002, $ 97.95
Abstract This literature essay compares two stories written by Caribbean women authors, and discusses these in relation to women's oral histories and traditions in Caribbean cultural contexts. Referring to the post-colonial and feminist theory, the author of this paper analyzes women's writing as a reflection of traditions with story-telling, women's "voice," and histories that are particular to women and Caribbean culture.
Abstract This paper details the monumental strides achieved by women in the armed forces both in the U.S. and in other countries such as, France, Britain and Canada. While women served in the military during WWII, they were rendered the sort of duties that relieved men to do the actual fighting. This paper examines the statistics supplied by the Pentagon that prove that it wasn't until the Gulf War, that women were actually part of front-line fighting units. The writer of this paper ponders the argument whether women should continue to be allowed to serve in the same positions as men as well as the issue of sexual harassment in the military. This paper delves into the matter of whether or not men and women react differently to confrontations. The writer of this paper also discusses the issue of pregnancy and women on the front-line in combat and attempts to answer the question: Should new mothers be allowed to accept duties that entail a certain amount of danger?
From the Paper "But it was not until the Gulf War, according to reliable statistics kept by the Pentagon, that women actually were part of front-line fighting units. The argument continues, however, whether this should become a regular Standing order. Women in the service joined, so they say, not just to sit at a desk, but to be alongside fighting men in case of military action. This, the women say, is only fair if they want to be recognized as men's equals. There is a web page on the Internet which closely examines the viewpoints of men and women, many either veterans or currently on active duty. Here one can find the opinions that are far more interesting and logical (on both sides) than anything that can be read in the media."
Tags:women, rights, military, war, france, canada, sexual, harassment, gulf, war
This paper reviews and analyzes the empowerment of women through forms of psychological and metaphorical dissociation, as depicted in Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House" and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "Yellow Wallpaper."
Abstract The writer of this paper examines how through the various portrayals of women, literary works succeeded in depicting the oppression, discrimination and submissiveness of women in society. This paper discusses the manner in which literature has resolved certain issues of oppression in women, while also illustrating the manner in which male characters, in numerous works of writing, have come to accept the rights and privileges of women. The writer explains how the process of alienation from society and the inner self, in women, is evident in both the writings of Gilman and Ibsen. In both works, the female protagonists are shown to experience various forms of alienation. This paper delves into how the women, in both novels, managed to emancipate themselves from the oppression and discrimination that they experienced, in their own surroundings. The writer of this paper contends that both Gilman and Ibsen's writings reflect similar themes of dissociation of one's self. Gilman's female narrator resorted to insanity, a form of psychological dissociation, in order to escape the prison-like conditions of her marriage, while Nora, in Ibsen's novel, separated herself from her husband, a metaphorical dissociation, in order to gain her freedom.
From the Paper "Finding no recourse or way to express her true feelings and thoughts, the Narrator began reflecting on her oppression through the yellow wallpaper patterns on the walls of her room: "The front pattern does move-and no wonder! The woman behind shakes it! Sometimes I think there are a great many women behind, and sometimes only one, and she crawls around fast...and in the very shady spots she just takes hold of the bars and shakes them hard." This passage can be interpreted in two ways: seeing the woman within the wallpaper patterns may signify her dissociation from herself psychologically by succumbing to insanity. However, this process may also be construed as her way of breaking out of the prison that is her marriage, the oppression she felt being dominated by John and the limits that marriage had put on her as a woman."
Abstract The paper analyzes the differences in the role and status of women within Christianity in the United States and Hinduism in India. It looks at the history of women in religion and notes how the role of the women has evolved in the United States. There are now women ministers and deacons within the Christian Church in the United States. However, women within the Hindu religion in India are still submissive with few rights. The paper looks at the history behind the changing role of the woman within Christianity in the United States and concludes that Hindu women in India must follow this example and fight for their rights.
From the Paper "What would religion be like without women? Are women important in religion? Women throughout history have played different roles in different religion, but most of the time women were submissive to men. Women would never dream of becoming a minister or involved in the leadership of the religion regardless which religion it was. Today, women play more roles in leadership than ever before. Christianity in the United States and their role of women is different than Hinduism in India and their role of women. Christianity in the United States allows women to become leaders in the church such as a minister or a deacon, while Hinduism in India's role of women are required to be submissive with few rights. As women of the Christian faith have fought for rights in America to become ministers, deacons, and other leadership roles, women of the Hindu faith must receive more rights and stop being submissive to men."
Abstract The paper explains how Aristotle maintained that men are naturally superior to women and that the women of Sparta were permitted too much freedom. He also believed that the women of Sparta were the cause of the city's downfall. The paper examines how Aristotle's views represent a direct contrast to the views expressed through other sources. Plutarch, for example, held that the women of Sparta were courageous and also were supportive of their men. The paper explains that even though Aristotle's views were negative, they are valuable as a source of evidence that Sparta was marked not only by equality for women but also by superiority for women.
Abstract A consideration of the roles of women in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" affords us some interesting insights into writing by women. As is well known, there are differing streams of feminist literary criticisms. In this paper, it is argued that the American stream of feminist literary critics (such as Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar) are correct in stating that women's experiences are the basis of the differences we can observe in women's writings. Specifically, it is argued that women in "Frankenstein" exhibit a range of characteristics, such that we can see that the author understands women as people, rather than as stereotypes.
Abstract This extensive paper examines a number of issues related to African-American women and breast cancer, with an emphasis on detection, treatment and survival. The paper gives a brief overview of cancer, the breast and types of breast cancers. The author then describes the purpose of this study, which was to determine the impact of racial disparity on breast cancer survival. The study also addresses socio-economic factors, such as lack of health insurance, and low incomes. The study attempts to identify the reasons why African-American women have a higher mortality rate than all other ethnic groups. Finally, the author questions whether education, community out-reach programs, resources would influence the probability of reducing breast cancer mortality rates among African-American women.
Outline:
Introduction and Problem Background
The Breast
Development of the Breast
What is Cancer?
What is Breast Cancer?
Major Types of Breast Cancers
Risk Factors for developing Breast Cancer
Purpose of Study
Research Objectives
Limitation
Assumptions
Definition of Terms
Scope of Study
Review of Related Literature
Historical and General Background
Possible Barriers to The African-American Women having Mammograms
Existing Studies
Another Study of Racial Disparities in Breast Carcinoma Survival Rates
Methodology
Instrumentation
Statistical Approach
Relevant Results and Significant Studies
Summary of the Literature Reviewed
Findings
Association Between Socio-economic Status and Breast Cancer Survival
Relationship between racial difference in treatment, and breast cancer mortality among the African-American women and the Caucasian-women Summary, Conclusions, Recommendations
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations
References
From the Paper "The incidence of breast cancer among the African-American women is slightly lower than it is for the Caucasian women. In any given year, 95 out of 100,000 African-American women are diagnosed with breast cancer, compared to 112 out of every 100,000 the Caucasian women. However, the African-American women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer after age 50 (www.netwellness.org, 2004). Breast cancer is the cancer with the second highest death rate for both the African-American women and the Caucasian women. The overall lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer is 10% for the African-American women and 14% for the Caucasian women. However, about 31 out of every 100,000 the African-American women died from the disease each year compared to just 27 out of every 10,000 the Caucasian women from 1989 to 1992, but the rate also rose by 2% for the African-American women during the same period."
Abstract The paper relates that at the start of World War ll women were denied entry to positions in the workforce that were previously thought of as reserved only for men. Thus, the earning capacity of women was considerably lower than that of men and they were unable to accede to positions of economic or political power as well. The paper continues by highlighting that, as a result of the male task force being involved in fighting a war, vacancies in the work situation became available to Canadian women and thus it became apparent that women proved to be as efficient as men in a previous male-dominated areas. Encouraged by capitalism and the ruling powers and the press, Canadian women were now holding major positions which the government attempted unsuccessfully to reverse after the war. The paper concludes that WWI helped women realize their capabilities and achieve equality with their male counterparts.
From the Paper "In this analysis, it is important to bear in mind that women in Canada have always worked, in one way or another. Feminist scholars such as Bradbury have eloquently dismissed the myth that dual-income families are a new phenomenon, a product of the women's movement in the last few decades. In her analysis of working class families in the period from the 1860s to the 1890s - the time of the industrial revolution in Canada - Bradbury shows that even in that time, married Canadian women were actively involved in a broad range of income-generating activities, such as taking in boarders. At the same time, they were also expected to handle all domestic labour. Bradbury reproduces a cartoon showing a woman on her knees, doing the washing, while her husband eats dinner. The caption reads: "You complain, my poor husband, or your ten hours of labour. Yet I have been working for fourteen hours, and I have not yet finished my day." Bradbury also makes the point that women's labour was essential, and that if most families had relied on the husband's earnings alone, "poverty, even starvation, would have been chronic." Moreover, men would not have had the strength to labour at the factories for ten hours, and women would not have been well enough nourished to produce viable babies. In short, the "working class could not have reproduced itself."
Abstract This paper is a review of the book "Women of the Renaissance" by Margaret L. King. The author summarizes the book on the lives of women and the roles they played during the Renaissance era and examines King's ideas on the differences between the classes of women and the roles they had in the family, the church and in the elite class. The paper explains how, in this way, King is able to cover society as a whole including all women - from preacher's wives to prostitutes. The author also praises King's engaging and interesting literary style and adds that "Women of the Renaissance" is essential reading for any student of history or anyone interested in women's studies.
From the Paper "The best section is the shortest, which deals with the seeds of triumph for women. This book cannot replace a history book but it would stand to be an excellent counterpart to a history book on the Renaissance. By looking into the lives of women scattered throughout the Renaissance, King does well not to leave any areas left uncovered. We would live better is we could see into these lives as they were instead of how we romanticize them. Women need to understand that these women - be them witches or nuns - are the ancestors of all women and their voices should be heard."
