Why do you think the U.S. is so low on this list? Or, why are other countries
faring better in this regard?
The percentage of women occupying positions in national parliament may be so low
because women are seen as less qualified for these positions of power in the United
States. This lack of support can translate into lack of funding, manpower, and public
support when running for a position in government which all contribute to there being
fewer women in the United States government. As for other countries, especially those
in Europe, there has long been a history of female leaders in power with queens ruling
for many centuries. Because of this precedent, there is more trust and support put into
the hands of women when it comes to matters of European government that the
American people just cannot grasp.
Do you consider the state to be an ally or an adversary for feminist movements
today? Has your thinking on this changed at all as you’ve taken in the readings
and lectures this week? If so, how? If not, why?
To me, the state is more an adversary for feminist movements today because their
policies do not align with the goals of many feminist movements, particularly when it
comes to topics of pro-life versus pro-choice, sexual assault cases, and many more. I
often feel as if the voice of a woman is more often ignored than that of a man and when
it is heard by the state, it is not taken to the degree of seriousness that it should be
taken. My thinking has not been changed; if anything, I stand more firmly to my beliefs
after these readings as most of them supported by thinking.
