Sociology

Theories have a pivotal role in explaining and understanding various phenomena in the society. The field of feminism is no different because different advocates of feminism also use various theories in order to explore and investigate different issues in the society. However, just like in any other fields different theories are also critique in relation to its respective weaknesses. In relation to this the essentialist and structuralist theories of feminism also have its corresponding flaws, which can be further elaborated by using two specific cases namely, the Clarence Thomas  Anita Hill Case and the Sears Case.

The structuralist theory of feminism explains that the inequality and subordination that women are experiencing do not merely come from the differences that they have with their male counterparts but rather the differences that exist between male and female is actually a societal construct. Social construct takes into account the race, nationality, economic capability, and other factors that affect the social status of an individual (Crenshaw). The main tenets of the structuralist theory contradicts the essentialist theory of feminism because the latter emphasizes that women are different from men because of the idea that every entity has its corresponding characteristics and qualities that makes them different from the other (Scott, 1988). However, in the case of ThomasHill, the weaknesses of the arguments of the essentialist theory of feminism is given focus because despite the fact that Thomas and Hill are both African American, the American society still favors Thomas instead of Hill. In line with this, the article of Crenshaw points out that social construct of the American society when it comes to African American women plays an important role in the case (Crenshaw). Most Americans are only aware of the rights of White men and women as well as those of African American men but they are not fully aware of the unique experiences that African American women have to go through (Crenshaw). During the hearing of Thomas and Hill, most of the senators treat Hill as a criminal who has a hidden agenda in reporting the sexual harassment that she experienced. On the other hand, Thomas was able to gain the sympathy of the majority of the American society with his empowered speech. In this situation, it can be clearly seen that the essentialist theory does not necessarily address the inequality of women because it fails to give emphasis on the social factors that affect the condition of women.

In the case of Sears, which involves a law suit that is filed against unequal opportunity in the workplace, the weaknesses of the arguments of the structuralist theory of feminism are observed. Structuralist feminism points out the social construction of the differences between men and women but they fail to realize that these two sexes have its respective innate differences that must also be accounted for (Scott, 1988). Since Sears is known as automation company, the industry that it belong to is mostly dominated by men because of the nature of the work that requires the biological capabilities of men. In this scenario, women are regarded as different from men because of their capabilities, especially in terms of body strength. The differences between men and women, especially when it comes to innate capabilities are also a source of discrimination, which the structuralist theory of feminism fails to address.

The articles written by Scott and Crenshaw have presented arguments that have changed the debate between the essentialist and structuralist theories of feminism. Crenshaw pointed out that the social construction of the differences between men and women should be given due importance while on the other hand, Scott emphasizes that the differences between men and women should also accounted for and that despite this distinction a common ground can still be established in order to create an equal society. In line with this, the respective arguments of Scott and Crenshaw changed the debate about these two theories in a sense that both their arguments can be considered in order to make a new theory that addresses inequality both as a social construct and also due to the differences between men and women.  

The framing of the theories of essentialism and structuralism that are respectively done by Scott and Crenshaw could have changed the outcome of the cases of Sears and Thomas  Hill. In the case of Sears, if only the idea of the differences between men and women in the context of the automation industry is properly understood by the jurors it could have been addressed in a sense that will allow women to have equal opportunity in the Sears Company. By understanding that the differences between men and women should be acknowledged, the company could have done something in order to equal the playing field between men and women in respect to the differences that they have. In the same manner, if only the judicators in the ThomasHill case gives importance to the unique experiences of African American women, especially in the context to the lack of knowledge of the American society regarding the rights and experiences of African American women, then the senators who questioned Hill would have given her a fair chance to plead her case and not treat her as a criminal with a vested interest.