“It is not what is done or how it is done but who does it that determines social value.” This is a quote given to us by Moira Gatens, a professor of philosophy at the University of Sydney. A quote of this intensity and complexity can be interpreted in several different ways. I believe that through this quote Gatens is trying to illustrate the struggles women endure due to their gender. Through this exegesis I will analyze the given quote further and express my personal thoughts as well.
Looking back on history we see that men have had a greater ‘socially value’ in comparison to women. They’ve always had the right to vote, work, or go out in public alone. We’ve always lived in a very Patriarchal society. Men have always held primary roles of authority whether it be political positions, control over property, or authority over their families. The given quote states that, “It is not what is done or how it is done but who does it…” In my opinion, this quote means that the job being completed could become irrelevant based on who is completing the task at hand. For example, picture a man in need of assistance at a hardware store. He accepted help from a male employee and found what he needed. Yet, what …show more content…
Race and sexism have several similarities and can easily be compared. Reading this quote as an African American woman, I immediately thought of examples in my life when this may be applicable to myself or those around me. I thought of those who are often racially profiled due to their skin colour. They may be doing the exact same action as a Caucasian person, but due to their social value they will be treated in a completely different manner. Just as women can complete the exact same job as a man, but get paid a different wage due to their social value. It’s sad to know that these social issues are still prevalent in todays
Looking back on history we see that men have had a greater ‘socially value’ in comparison to women. They’ve always had the right to vote, work, or go out in public alone. We’ve always lived in a very Patriarchal society. Men have always held primary roles of authority whether it be political positions, control over property, or authority over their families. The given quote states that, “It is not what is done or how it is done but who does it…” In my opinion, this quote means that the job being completed could become irrelevant based on who is completing the task at hand. For example, picture a man in need of assistance at a hardware store. He accepted help from a male employee and found what he needed. Yet, what …show more content…
Race and sexism have several similarities and can easily be compared. Reading this quote as an African American woman, I immediately thought of examples in my life when this may be applicable to myself or those around me. I thought of those who are often racially profiled due to their skin colour. They may be doing the exact same action as a Caucasian person, but due to their social value they will be treated in a completely different manner. Just as women can complete the exact same job as a man, but get paid a different wage due to their social value. It’s sad to know that these social issues are still prevalent in todays