American literature essay. Literary analysis of works and characters - Sykalo Evgen 2023

The Man-Made World: Deconstructing the Manufactured: Unveiling the Gendered Construction of Society
Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Charlotte Perkins Gilman uses her keen mind to analyze the fundamental fabric of society in her 1911 masterpiece "The Man-Made World," revealing the artificiality and inherent prejudice built into its gendered structure. Gilman investigates the underlying causes of inequality, going beyond criticisms of specific injustices and exposing the "man-made" character of the structures that support the subordination of women.

Nature's Illusion of Order:

Gilman starts by demolishing the idea that the power structures and inflexible gender roles of the current social order are somehow "natural" or inevitable. She carefully dissects the purportedly "natural" distinctions between men and women, emphasizing the manner in which these distinctions are created and maintained by cultural norms, education, and social conditioning.

The Process of Inequality Creation:

Gilman reveals how gendered society is as a massive production system by referencing sociological and economic theories. She contends that women are not only parts of this apparatus; rather, they are the system's fundamental support structure. Their unpaid labor supports the male-dominated public sphere by taking care of the home and providing emotional support, freeing men to pursue their political and economic goals. Gilman contends that this unequal labor allocation is a purposeful and planned creation intended to uphold male domination rather than an outcome of nature.

What the Manufactured World Costs:

Gilman reveals the deep consequences of the artificial world in addition to just drawing attention to the disparities. The continual pressure to fit into gender norms stunts people's potential, creativity, and general wellbeing. Women bear disproportionate mental and physical loads, which ultimately result in widespread discontent, animosity, and a society that is far from reaching its full potential.

The Prospect of Reconstruction:

Even though Gilman presents a dismal image, she does not give up. She provides a ray of hope through group efforts and social restoration. Gilman contends that by acknowledging the artificial character of the existing order, we can start to tear it down and reestablish a community founded on the values of justice, collaboration, and shared accountability.

Maintaining Pertinence and the Request for Action:

The significance of "The Man-Made World" has not diminished since its composition. Even in more subdued versions, gendered constructions of society still exist, and the injustices and inequities they generate continue to have a significant impact on people as individuals and as communities. Gilman's writings serve as a potent call to action, imploring us to consider the world critically, confront our preconceptions, and strive toward establishing a society in which the barriers erected by man are ultimately torn down and every person—regardless of gender—can thrive and realize their full potential.

Additional Research:

Consider reading "The Man-Made World" in conjunction with other feminist analyses of gender and society, such as Judith Butler's "Gender Trouble" or Simone de Beauvoir's "The Second Sex," to enhance your understanding of the book.
Examine the past of the movement for women's rights as well as the current fight for gender parity.
Talk about how Gilman's research can be used to address modern problems including employment discrimination, gender pay disparities, and how women are portrayed in the media and popular culture.