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Why do an lot of women think they shouldnt have to provide for themsleves but claim to want to be equal to men?

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DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
Capitalism sticks its ugly head into every and all issues.

The problem is systemic not just endemic.

Why did women not have the right to vote just after July 1776?

Critique of Capitalism's Influence on Women's Rights

Capitalism has indeed played a critical role in shaping societal norms and policies, actively influencing the status of women and their rights, including suffrage.

Systemic Issues Rooted in Capitalism

Economic Dependency: Under capitalism, women's economic roles were traditionally limited to domestic spheres, creating dependency on men. This dependence reinforced social structures that denied women political rights, including voting.

Exclusion from Property Rights: Voting rights were often linked to property ownership. Most women were barred from owning property, which meant they were excluded from the political sphere, as voting was typically reserved for property owners.

Capital and Influence: The wealth created through capitalist systems often concentrated power in the hands of a few, who maintained existing patriarchal structures. Many of the laws and social norms that denied women's rights were upheld by those benefiting from the status quo.

Feminist Responses to Capitalism

Women who began to challenge these norms often did so by highlighting the contradictions within the capitalist system:

Economic Participation: As women entered the workforce during the Industrial Revolution, they argued for political rights by linking economic contributions to claims for suffrage. Their economic independence was essential in challenging patriarchal authority.

Class and Feminism: The intersection of class struggles with women's rights became evident, as working-class women fought not only for voting rights but also for broader economic justice. Their experiences highlighted the inadequacies of a system that prioritized profit over human rights.

Conclusion

The impact of capitalism on women's rights and suffrage is deeply intertwined with systemic inequalities. By reinforcing economic dependencies and excluding women from political power, capitalism has often perpetuated social injustices. Acknowledging these dynamics is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of women's history and rights.

This "Exclusion from Property Rights:", points back to the fact this is a Republic and not a democracy.

The Republic vs. Democracy in the Context of Property Rights

The distinction between a republic and a democracy is significant when discussing the historical exclusion of women and others from voting rights.

Understanding the Concepts

Republic: In a republic, the government operates under a system of laws protecting individual rights and property. The emphasis is on representative decision-making by elected officials.

Democracy: Democracy, particularly direct democracy, involves more direct participation of the populace in decisions and governance. In its modern context, it often implies broader inclusion in the electoral process.

Property Ownership and Voting Rights

Link to Representation: In the early republic, voting was often restricted to property owners as a way to ensure that those with a stake in society had a say in governance. This was rooted in the belief that property owners would make more responsible decisions than those without economic ties.

Exclusivity of Rights: The focus on property ownership inherently excluded women, non-property owners, and marginalized communities from political participation. This exclusion reflects the systemic inequalities present within a republican framework.

Implications for Women's Suffrage

Advocacy for Broader Inclusion: The women's suffrage movement challenged the connection between property and political rights, arguing that citizenship should not be defined by economic status.

Shift in Political Philosophy: Over time, the understanding of citizenship evolved to emphasize universal suffrage, steering away from the property-based qualifications laid down in the early days of the republic.

Conclusion

The framing of the U.S. as a republic, rather than a straightforward democracy, had profound implications for who could participate in governance. This framework upheld systemic inequalities, contributing to the exclusion of women and other groups from the voting process.

The evolution toward more inclusive democratic principles has been a critical aspect of the ongoing struggle for rights.

And it gets worse from there. On to education and so forth.