Graduate Program

English

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

2008

Thesis Director

Parley Ann Boswell

Thesis Committee Member

None

Thesis Committee Member

None

Abstract

Individuals have been responsible for advocating equality for marginalized American groups since colonial times. From the nation's second First Lady Abigail Adams through former slaves such as Fredrick Douglass and Sojourner Truth to the activists in the social movements of the 20th century, many have fought hard to try to make the wealthy white-male power structure aware of and sympathetic to the rights of all citizens. Throughout these struggles, racist and sexist ideology dictated who the public leaders of these movements would be. The abolitionist movement's prominent leaders were males, most often white. The suffragist movement was led by, and primarily composed of, white women. The major movements for racial and gender equality in the 1960s and '70s were led by, respectively, black men and white women. The central goals of these movements did not solely affect black men and white wonomen. Women of color also stood much to gain by the realization of these goals, yet they were often relegated to supporting positions within the movements when they were not excluded entirely. An analysis of the movements for social equality over the course of U.S. history suggests reasons for black women's exclusion: underlying patriarchal sexism and racism within those very movements.

Download

Share

COinS