Notion lieux et formes du pouvoir anglais, les femmes

Lieux et formes du pouvoir

Power represents both authority and the influence that reigns within specific relationships. It can be envisaged from a political point of view but also within English-speaking societies where each actor plays a precise role and exercises his power over others. Power is also linked to counterpowers which rebalance relationships. In history, power has been the reason of almost all conflicts, between countries or just between people who wanted it. Power has also been taken by men over women for decades before equality has began to spread and that women decide to mobilize to fight against male supremacy. So we can ask ourselves the next question:

How do people exercise their power? What are the different tools used?

For years women have been viewed differently from men. They had no work, they stayed at home to do all the tasks and take care of the children. However women developed their power a lot during the first world war and after. Indeed, as the men were at the front, women took their places in work like in weapon factories or as scientists… They developed their capacities in a lot of domains and were independent. A lot of them were influenced by the posters that were encouraging them to work to help their husbands, the country and be proud. We saw a few documents in class which were showing that, like the poster on which was written: “I’m proud… my husband wants me to do my part”. That shows the heavy power that man had on woman at this time but also, the fact the woman says that she’s “proud” shows that they’re winning some confidence and feel useful, which means women gained also power by being independent and capable. Also, the poster with the woman who looks strong and says “We can do it” shows the increasing power of the women. They want to be useful and to be strong, so they fight against the system as soon as men came back from war and wanted them to quit their jobs.

But women had to fight a lot of times during the history to be heard, treated equally to men and have all the rights that they deserve: they want power. Many demonstrations have taken place in order to give this power, this freedom to women. We studied a text in class, called "The guardian", telling how, on March 6, 1971, approximately 4.000 women, men and children took to the streets of London to demonstrate for everything that should have been done for women: from equal education, wages and jobs opportunities to free contraception and 24h state-funded nurseries. Women want to be as powerful as men are and are requesting for justice. But There will always be obstacles and reasons for not giving women the same rights as men simply because some people do not see them as equal ... We studied in class the criticisms of Sabrina Siddiqui who talk about the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and describes it as « the worstwe’ve ever seen for women ». Donald Trump was initially charged with 17 sexual assaults on women for which he denied responsibility. He also set up an anti-abortion rally. He spends his time undoing all the work that his predecessor built. And it prevented the arrival of funds for family planning which offered abortion. With all these sexist actions and bordering on the acceptable, Donald Trump shows a face of America that is not open to women's freedom and strongly macho. Also

...