Why do some women contribute to their own oppression?

[Dave-W]

Any ideas or thoughts on why there are some women who want to be oppressed?

I would consider WANTING to be oppressed a sign of mental illness.

 

[mkgal1]

That applies to many areas of Christian life, and to men just as much as women.

But I don't believe -personally- that it's "righteous" to intentionally put ourselves into situations that cause our suffering (for instance: the women that preach to other women how we are to follow our husband's whims...not that they use that language, but that's the implication).

 

[JCFantasy23]

Any ideas or thoughts on why there are some women who want to be oppressed?

Are you referring to only women who do believe women should be pastors, or other situations? I do think some female Christians do not believe in women pastors, but not believe its oppression or that they want to be oppressed because they are not egalitarians.

 

[teresa]

oh sorry for not posting on this for a bit....

I was thinking about women who work under a panel of male leaders, empowering them to abuse underlings.

An example would be a secretary who abuses and harasses the housekeepers, unwittingly oppressing other women, just as she is oppressed by the bosses when they make harassing and inappropriate remarks.

I was thinking about women who are abused turning around and abusing other women themselves.

They lash out and take it out on other women, I suppose as they are easy prey, and they cant afford to get fired by speaking up to their male superiors.

So they keep up the status quo.

They hate themselves and their lives, so someone has to pay.

 

[Dave-W]

I was thinking about women who are abused turning around and abusing other women themselves.

Agreed.

But even beyond that, I believe it is a human problem; not just women. Anyone who feels abused or marginalized will in turn do that to others.

They hate themselves and their lives, so someone has to pay.

Indeed.

 

[Runswithdogs]

For some of them?.. perhaps because its the only thing they feel they have some power over

 

[FireDragon76]

I think these are good examples of what she's referring to:

The "Serena Joy" syndrome.

I agree with P: I can understand somebody not having feminist activism as their thing, but to actively expend effort opposing the equality of men and women is another thing altogether.

 

[FireDragon76]

Any ideas or thoughts on why there are some women who want to be oppressed?

Women, and minority groups in general, often experience sin differently from those in power or those with privilege. It's less about acknowledging selfishness- women are taught to be selfless from a young age, after all. It's more about acknowledging you are a self at all.

 

[Dave-W]

Women, and minority groups in general,...

Women are in the majority. NOT a minority at all.

 

[Paidiske]

We hold a minority of social, economic and political power, though.

 

[Dave-W]

We hold a minority of social, economic and political power, though.

True. And that really makes no long-term sense to me at all. Many historic cultures have enslaved people who often outnumbered the masters. Eventually the slaves rise up and throw off their oppressors.

 

[Handmaid for Jesus]

True. And that really makes no long-term sense to me at all. Many historic cultures have enslaved people who often outnumbered the masters. Eventually the slaves rise up and throw off their oppressors.

There IS that!