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Brieanna Flores

Professor Anakira Gabriella

Introduction to Sociology 2432

26 June 2019

The Feminist Theory and the 2018 Election

The 2018 presidential election was one of the most monumental elections in history for

women. Over 100 women won seats in the House of Representatives, which broke the record of

the past 84 seats held by females. The political climate has put women into motion and the 2018

election inspired change in American society.

While women are still underrepresented within congress, the 2018 election was a major

advance to equality within congress. A total of one hundred seventeen women were elected,

forty-two being women of color. These women decided they would no longer allow our country

to be governed without proper representation. Jennifer Cox, a female activist and entrepreneur,

stated in the New York Times that, “It’s historic. It’s our turn in having a say in changing the

face of politics” (Salam). Though some women may have their own agendas, the sheer presence

of a woman, her experiences, and opinions is vital when it comes to creating public policy. For

years, men have created policies that are targeted towards women, including pay equality,

domestic violence, and reproductive rights. These women in congress are now taking this issues

head on. “Female politicians are the ones who spearhead policies and propose and pass

legislation that improves the lives of women and girls”(Ralph). Our society is being greatly

influenced by the change elected women are implementing.

“Feminist theory is a major branch of theory within sociology that shifts its assumptions,

analytic lens, and topical focus away from the male viewpoint and experience and toward that of
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women. In doing so, feminist theory shines a light on social problems, trends, and issues that are

otherwise overlooked or misidentified by the historically dominant male perspective within

social theory” (Crossman). Congresswomen are actively working towards changing current

social problems. The feminist theory takes the female viewpoint on social issues and gives the

women in power a place to speak on how they have been directly affected; it has helped address

gender inequality and sexism since the 1800’s.

Above is a digital art piece of Alexandri Ocasio-Cortez. She is one of the women elected

into congress in 2018. She is the youngest woman to be elected into congress. She has a large

social media presence which she uses to inspire change in our society and openly speak on

topics.

The 2018 midterm elections was a great accomplishment for the US. These women in

congress will work towards better representing and resolving the social issues women in the US

face. Whether it be child care, reproductive rights, maternity leave, rape, domestic violence, or

equal pay, these women are improving our society.

Works Cited

Ralph, Kaylen. “The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.”

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Political Polarization Solutions | Harris Public Policy, 30 Oct. 2018,

harris.uchicago.edu/news-events/news/2018-year-woman.

Salam, Maya. “A Record 117 Women Won Office, Reshaping America's Leadership.” The New

York Times, The New York Times, 7 Nov. 2018,

www.nytimes.com/2018/11/07/us/elections/women-elected-midterm-elections.html.

Theory.", "Feminist. “Feminist Theory.” The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th Ed,