Men's ideas about what women are have been formed from their ruling caste position, and have assigned women characteristics that would most advantage their masters, as well as justify men's rule over them. They do not represent 'truth' but have been promoted as if they were, with the backing of science and patriarchal views of biology.
Interpretation
Men's views of women are shaped by their desire to maintain control, rather than reflecting reality.
In this quote, Sheila Jeffreys argues that the ways in which men perceive women are not based on objective truths but are influenced by patriarchal power dynamics. This means that the characteristics assigned to women serve not only to benefit men but also to rationalize the societal structures that keep men in positions of authority. Jeffreys highlights the role of science and cultural norms in perpetuating these views, suggesting that they mask an underlying intent to sustain male dominance.
In practice
In a discussion about gender equality, this quote can underscore the importance of understanding the societal influences on women's representation.
Male domination, and the low and stigmatised status of women, cause teenage girls to engage in punishment of their bodies through eating disorders and self-mutilation. There is increasing evidence that woman-hating Western cultures are toxic to girls and very harmful to their mental health. It is, perhaps, not surprising, therefore, that there seem to be some girls baling out and seeking to upgrade their status.
It is always a vulgar and often an unhealthy pastime, and it is a vice which does not go alone; the man who gambles will find himself capable of any evil.
We must distinguish between the kind of structural transformation that would leave in place (even increase) the realities of the exploitation of labor, and one that would undo this kind of exploitation or at least radically reduce it
A dream is a scripture, and many scriptures are nothing but dreams.
The 'looking forward' so prevalent in the late 1990s was bound to end once the new millennium began. Like some others of that era, I predicted a new focus on the moment, on real experience, and on what things are actually worth right now. Then 9/11 magnified this sensibility, forcing America as a nation to contend with its own impermanence.
I'm a capitalist. I believe in capitalism. But capitalism only works if you have safety nets to deal with people who are naturally left behind and brutalized by it.
Pride is a vice, which pride itself inclines every man to find in others, and to overlook in himself
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