Cason Genovese

12/14/24

2065W: Capitalism, Culture, and Literature

Brandon Benevento

Capitalism, Race, and Gender: Structural Inequality in American Society

Capitalism is designed to concentrate wealth and power in the hands of a select few,

predominantly men, creating a system where the “American Dream” is framed as an aspiration

achievable only by a privileged minority. While the United States is often portrayed as a nation

of endless opportunities and equality, the reality reveals a system where possibilities are limited,

and true upward mobility remains elusive. This narrative of boundless potential has been

replaced by a structure of systematic limitations imposed by gendered disparities, reinforced

traditional ideologies, and the hindered development of society. This is supported by the male

privilege depicted in Ragged Dick by Horatio Alger, the oppression of women explored in The

Reactionary Mind by Corey Robins, and the racial and gender-based oppression illustrated

in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacob and analyzed through Gabrielle Foreman

in Manifest in Signs: The Politics of Sex and Representation in Incidents in the Life of a Slave

Girl, and lastly through economic comparison from Milton Friedmans Capitalism and Freedom.

Showing the restrictions imposed on individuals living in today’s world, showing these sexist

patterns that have been created and fostered today. What was once imagined as a land of

possibility has become a place where those at the top continue accumulating wealth and power

while the majority face barriers that prevent the realization of true equality and social mobility.

Capitalism enforces a system of mass control, establishes rigid boundaries, and

suppresses the aspirations of countless individuals. Designed to favor conformity, it often

Gender plays a pivotal role in this system, shaping behavior through socially constructed norms

that demand adherence. As Judith Butler explains, “The cultural construction of gender identity

is subject to constant repetition, but it is also a force that organizes social life and how people

experience their own social lives” (93). This systemic design creates a world of limitations,

where opportunities for women are stifled, and they are oppressed into feeling lesser because of

their gender. Such oppression is perpetuated by capitalism, which prioritizes the power of wealth,

enforces masculinity, and sustains patriarchal structures. These components of privilege are

afforded to white men, who enjoy opportunities far greater than those available to women.

Alger’s character Dick exemplifies this narrative as the quintessential “rags-to-riches”

success story, a journey made possible by his gender, race, and alignment with the societal mold

of the ideal capitalist—another white man fulfilling the “American Dream.” In Ragged Dick,

Erdheim argues that the "American Dream," represented through the "rags to riches" narrative, is

deeply connected to the theme of success through male privilege. He explains that being literate,

a key characteristic of Alger's protagonist, Dick, translates into respect and success in the eyes of

society, “financial stability and upward mobility are seen as achievable through hard work, but

this privilege is largely reserved for those like Dick, whose gender and race align with the

dominant social expectations of the time” (Erdheim). He then further adds, “street education”,

understanding the struggles of the poor and learning how to navigate societal pitfalls, earns

respect within a specific circle, but it does not offer the same societal recognition or upward

mobility that literacy and adherence to “respectable” societal standards provide” (Erdheim).

Living under these social standards requires an understanding of gender dynamics and the ability

to exploit one's power in a world where race and wealth dominate economically.
 This dynamic reflects how, under capitalist systems, success is often more accessible to

men, particularly those who fit into the dominant racial and gender norms. Women, as seen

in The Reactionary Mind by Robins reinforce the point that capitalism favors those who conform

to traditional gender roles, leaving women marginalized and without the same opportunities for

advancement. This dream is inherently exclusionary, as seen in contrast with Rand from Robins,

a skilled and ambitious woman who aspires to achieve wealth, influence, and recognition but is

constrained by systemic sexism. Both characters highlight the underlying ideology of sexism,

with Dick’s success reinforcing patriarchal norms and Rand’s struggle exposing the barriers

women face in a capitalist society. Rand’s unwavering confidence set her apart, as she had the

unique ability to manifest her self-conception into reality, transforming her imagined identity

into a tangible presence. This was achieved not by genuine greatness but, as noted, “by

persuading others, even shrewd biographers, that she was great” (Robins 173), showcasing her

skill in constructing a narrative of personal grandeur that captivated those around her. What is

sad is that no matter how much "persuasion" or "true talent" she had, her gender set her up for

failure. Life is different for a character like Dick, who, despite lacking money or education, can

walk into a company due to being in the right place at the right time and displaying good actions.

In contrast, Dick’s upward mobility is largely based on his position as a man. This idea is

underscored when Mr. Rockwell praises Dick's behavior, “You are a good boy,” said Mr.

Rockwell. “I have noticed your behavior, and I like your straightforwardness and honesty. I shall

place you in my counting room, and your salary will be ten dollars a week to start with.” (Alger

292) This job offers highlights how Dick’s virtues, though admirable, are more easily rewarded

because of his gender, whereas a woman, despite her talents. This automatic sexism is evident in

the fact that if Rand were to walk into the same position, with the same demeanor and attitude as
Dick, she would likely not be offered a job and would instead be left to continue living on the

streets simply because of her gender. In a capitalist world, she would be denied the "American

Dream" that Dick is given. Rand's protagonists, as she describes, don't merely seek freedom, they

want to dominate to be recognized as superior beings, viewing society’s norms and institutions as

obstacles to that recognition. This contrast illustrates how women are often denied opportunities

despite displaying the same qualities as men, reinforcing systemic barriers within the capitalist

structure. As Butler explains, gender norms are systematically constructed, where men are given

more status and power, and these norms are continually reinforced in society. The structural

inequalities that hinder women’s economic freedom also limit their broader personal and political

freedoms. Economic freedom, after all, is deeply connected to the right to self-determination and

the ability to fully participate in society. In line with this, Friedman asserts, “Economic freedom

is the foundation of individual liberty... If we do not maintain economic freedom, we will

inevitably lose our political freedom as well.” (Friedman ix) Thus, economic constraints become

a form of social and political restriction, particularly for women who seek self-expression and

self-advancement but find their paths obstructed by gender

Another extreme example of economic and political freedom restricted by racial

extraction, slavery, and political and economic connection is The Trials of Girlhood, The Life of

a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs. Within Jacobs’s writing about her life experiences, themes of

racist trauma, sexism, and extreme control emerge, particularly highlighting how white men

abused their political freedoms to exploit women. For women, political freedom never extended

to protection from such abuses, as Jacobs painfully reveals, “In either case, there is no shadow of

law to protect her from insult, from violence, or even from death; all these inflicted by friends

who bear the shape of men” (Jacobs 26). This statement highlights the systemic failures to
protect women, particularly Black women, from the intersecting oppressions of patriarchy and

racism, leaving them vulnerable and without recourse. Jacobs is forced into the margins of life,

hiding in the attic of her grandmother's house to escape the relentless abuse of Dr. Flint, who

represents the violent power dynamics of slavery. Exploiting his position, Flint cruelly

asserts, “He told me I was his property; that I must be subject to his will in all things.” (Jacobs

45) This declaration underscores how enslaved women were stripped of autonomy and subjected

to the whims of their enslavers, exemplifying the broader structures of exploitation and control.

Dr. Flint represents a man who not only seeks ownership over women but also desires complete

control over their existence. His need for dominance extends beyond physical possession; it

includes relegating women to the background of life, forcing them into roles of servitude and

submission to affirm his power and authority.

This dynamic reflects the broader systemic exploitation and erasure of women's agency

within patriarchal structures. Gabriel Foreman, in Manifest in Signs: The Politics of Sex and

Representation in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, discusses how Jacobs’s narrative critiques

the pervasive control over Black women’s sexuality, emphasizing how Jacobs resists the imposed

roles of both a slave and a woman in the prewar South (Foreman 73). By refusing to be reduced

to the stereotypical roles society wanted to force upon her, such as the passive, sexualized, and

subordinated Black woman, Jacobs’s narrative becomes a tool of resistance. Foreman writes that

“Jacobs's efforts to protect her sexuality and dignity are acts of defiance against the sexual

exploitation of Black women by slave owners like Dr. Flint” (Foreman 84). The capitalist

ideology that originated this societal control of sexuality enabled a dis-exploration of gender,

with women being relegated to defined roles. Butler supports these ideas, noting that “gender is a

kind of imitation for which there is no original. It is an imitation that produces the gender it
appears to be” (Butler 25). This performative aspect of gender, as Butler explains, strengthens

the political and economic structures that perpetuate these roles. These rigid roles, imposed by

power structures, illustrate how “power is not something that one has or possesses; it is

something that one is subjected to” (Butler 17), further reinforcing the systemic oppression that

Jacobs and many other women endure these ideas of women having to perform for a man

in Ragged Dick are highlighted by the fact that Dick, as a man, doesn’t have to perform to prove

his worth; his gender aligns perfectly with the world he was born into. His success is not

hindered by the need to meet external expectations based on his gender. In contrast, women in

similar circumstances, like Rand in The Reactionary Mind, are forced to navigate more complex

societal pressures that demand they perform roles to be seen as "good enough" or valuable. As

Judith Butler explains, gender is a "kind of imitation for which there is no original," meaning that

the roles women must perform to be accepted are socially constructed and maintained through

repetition (Butler 25). This systemic difference in expectations underscores the privilege Dick

experiences simply by being born into a society that aligns with his gender.

The theme of women being marginalized or put on the back burner is prevalent across the

texts discussed. This theme is central to understanding capitalism and its effects on women’s

roles in society. In capitalist structures, women are often expected to remain invisible or serve in

subordinate roles. As seen in Ragged Dick, “Mrs. Mooney’s boarding house was a place where

many boys like Dick found shelter, though the women there had little influence over their lives”

(Alger 134). This reflects the broader capitalist narrative where women’s contributions are

undervalued, and their influence minimized. Similarly, in Harriet Jacobs’s piece, women are

oppressed both racially and sexually, revealing the intersectionality of gender and capitalism that

forces women into submissive positions. Robin critiques how capitalist structures reinforce
traditional gender roles, further entrenching women’s secondary status. This theme appears

across all the texts, where women are relegated to the background, often forced to conform to

societal standards that limit their power and autonomy. Both men and women internalize the

understanding that men hold the dominant position—they are seen as superior in the context of

societal expectations. This dynamic is evident in Ragged Dick, where men like Dick benefit from

opportunities based on their gender, while women, like those in Mrs. Mooney’s boarding house,

are invisible and without influence (Alger). Similarly, The Life of a Slave Girl highlights how

Black women are stripped of agency and forced to endure abuse, illustrating how both gender

and race intersect to keep them in subjugation (Jacobs). In The Reactionary Mind, Robin

discusses how capitalist systems reinforce these power imbalances, with women’s roles being

minimized and their potential stunted in a patriarchal society. These texts collectively underscore

how societal norms dictate that men remain at the top, further perpetuating cycles of inequality

and limiting women’s opportunities.

Through these texts, there is the observation of how capitalism systematically devalues

women, leaving them without credit or power in a system that prioritizes male success.

Recognizing these patterns is crucial for progress, as the fight for equality has evolved since

these historical periods. What was once imagined as a land of opportunity has, over time,

transformed into a place where those at the top continue to accumulate wealth and power, while

the majority face barriers that prevent true equality and social mobility. Rather than being a

beacon of social progress, the United States has become a society where the expansion of gender

equity, racial justice, and economic fairness is stunted. Capitalism thrives by reinforcing existing

power structures and perpetuating cycles of inequality, effectively denying many individuals,

especially those from historically oppressed communities, the opportunities they need to thrive.
As the nation has aged, there have been strides in equality, yet challenges persist in changing the

way women are viewed and valued in society. The work of Alger in Ragged Dick, as well as the

feminist critiques in The Reactionary Mind by Robins and Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by

Harriet Jacobs, demonstrate how capitalism's gendered nature limits progress and opportunities

for women. These works, alongside Judith Butler's concept of gender performativity, show that

the role of women within capitalist structures has been one of subordination, where male figures

like Dick in Ragged Dick benefit from the privileges afforded by their gender, race, and class.

While there has been change and movement toward greater equality, the systemic inequalities

rooted in capitalism continue to place women at a disadvantage. Capitalism, by reinforcing

patriarchal structures and valuing wealth over equality, continues to stunt the growth of gender

equity and other forms of justice, leaving many still struggling to break through the barriers that

have long been in place. The journey toward true equality remains ongoing, as it challenges the

very foundations of capitalism and the power dynamics it sustains.

Alger, Horatio. Ragged Dick: Or, Street Life in New York with the Boot Blacks. 1868.

Edited by William D. Hedges, Dover Publications, 2001.

Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge,

1990.

Corey, Robin. The Reactionary Mind: Why Conservatism Is Not About What It Claims to

Be. Oxford University Press, 2018.

Erdheim, Cara. "Why Speak of American Stories as Dreams?" English Faculty

Publications, 2013, http://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/eng_fac/19.

Foreman, Gabrielle. "Manifest in Signs: The Politics of Sex and Representation

in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl." The Politics of the Personal: Feminism, Race,

and the State, edited by C. H. Silverman, University of Georgia Press, 1995.

Friedman, Milton. Capitalism and Freedom. University of Chicago Press, 1962.

Jacobs, Harriet. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. Edited by L. Maria Child, Dover

Publications, 2001.

Jacobs, Harriet. The Trials of Girlhood: The Life of a Slave Girl. Edited by L. Maria

Child, 2001