Pesquer The Oppression Of Chicana Women

During the 1980s we witness a powerful manifestation of courage hailing from the Chicana women. In class we discussed forms of oppression that were displayed such as: nonconsensual sterilizations, employment discrimination, underemployment, etc. In a world dominated by men, the Chicana women mobilized and took a stand against such forms of injustice. Though reactions towards this caused them to be labeled as “malinches”, they fought to “create a space of their own”, abolish the patriarchy completely, and alter the ideology of the “Ideal Women” that society at the time was presenting.

A discouraging statement that Pesquera presents in her article is, “Although both branches of the women’s movement advocated on behalf of women, the issues of women of color were often overlooked.” Why were they just simply overlooked? I believe that some Chicana women were asking the same question and from this three forms of Chicana feminists materialized: Chicana Liberal feminists, Chicana Insurgent Feminists, and Cultural National Feminists.
As stated in Pesquera’s article, “Chicana liberal feminism centers on women’s desire to enhance the well-being of the Chicano community with a special emphasis on improving the status of women…” Honestly, I couldn’t have described it better.
Basically, these women were expressing that they appreciated their men; however, they did not agree with where they were places in this status related hierarchy. Also, in this category economic, social, and cultural empowerment of Chicanas was
crucial.

The second category presented is Chicana Insurgent Feminists focused of inequality and its roots that were embedded within race, class, and gender. Pesquera states that, “ This perspective locates the source of Chicana oppression within the cultural expressions and social institutions of a hierarchically stratified society.” In addition, these women were advocating for social change and the elimination of all forms of oppression that were illustrated in the aforementioned categories, but specifically for Chicanas.

Finally, the last tier mentioned is the Cultural Nationalist Feminists. This is defined as, “ A small group of women who identify as feminists but who are committed to a cultural nationalist ideology that emphasizes maintaining cultural values.” They focus on equality among the genders, but overlook the patriarchy perhaps dismissing it as, “cultural values.” The author discusses how this could potentially pose some obstacles when trying to adjust the relationships between the genders.

What can we learn from the bravery and tenacity displayed by these women? Is it possible to incorporate some of their ideologies and strategies to remedy some of the similar problems we face today are further fight for equality and social justice among race, ethnicity, and gender?