The Intersection of Respectability Politics and Women's Suffrage Movement: Breaking Down Barriers and Challenging Norms

The Intersection of Respectability Politics and Women's Suffrage Movement: Breaking Down Barriers and Challenging Norms

In the fight for women's suffrage, the suffragists faced numerous challenges and had to navigate the complex dynamics of society. One of the key aspects that played a significant role in their struggle was respectability politics. Respectability politics refers to the way people present their demands for social change in a manner that aligns with the dominant standards of society. It involves adhering to a set of social guidelines dictating acceptable behavior, from clothing to interactions with others.

The suffragists, particularly those who were already highly regarded and came from influential backgrounds, faced a unique predicament. These women, such as wives and mothers, sisters of politicians, and granddaughters of Founding Fathers, were treated with more respect than other women. However, tales of imprisonment and abuse from poor white women and women of color would have been less shocking to their target audience. This shed light on the significance of the Prison Special, where even respectable women were treated poorly.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Carrie Chapman Catt, two prominent figures in the suffrage movement, believed that the best way to gain support for women's right to vote was through careful fundraising and recruiting influential members. Their approach involved convincing women from privileged backgrounds to join the cause, leveraging their connections to sway public opinion. However, this approach excluded women of color and demonstrated underlying racism within the white women's suffrage movement.

The National Woman's Party (NWP), on the other hand, sought attention-getting tactics to bring the issue of women's suffrage to the forefront. However, their proposed tactics were seen as a violation of society's expectations of how women should behave. This led to a disagreement within the movement over how best to frame their cause. The NWP initially attempted to exclude black women from their suffrage parade and later relegated them to march at the back. They believed that marginalizing Black women would make their cause more palatable and respectable to white Southerners who opposed suffrage rights for Black Americans. Unfortunately, this approach further damaged the movement's claim that they were fighting for all women.

The mainstream suffrage movement's dismissal of Black women's voting rights had long-lasting consequences. Many Black women, particularly in the South, would not gain full voting rights until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This exclusion highlighted the need for intersectionality within the suffrage movement and the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by women of color.

The suffragists' accounts of their time in prison shed light on the harsh realities they endured. They had to live in unsanitary conditions, scrub toilets, and coexist with incarcerated individuals deemed "dirty" by society. It was ironic that the men and the state, who were meant to protect women, were the ones responsible for subjecting them to such conditions.

In examining the intersection of respectability politics and the suffrage movement, it becomes clear that challenging societal norms and breaking down barriers requires a more inclusive and intersectional approach. To move forward, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace Intersectionality: Acknowledge the diverse experiences and challenges faced by different groups within the movement. Recognize that fighting for women's rights means fighting for all women, regardless of race, class, or background.

• 2. Amplify Marginalized Voices: Give space and platform to women who have historically been excluded from the narrative. Listen to their stories, experiences, and perspectives. Elevate their voices to ensure a more inclusive movement.

• 3. Challenge Respectability Politics: Question the expectations society places on women and the limitations they impose. Encourage women to be authentic, bold, and unapologetic in their pursuit of social change. Break free from the constraints of respectability and embrace a more radical approach, if necessary.

In conclusion, the suffrage movement faced challenges in navigating respectability politics while advocating for women's right to vote. The intersection between respectability and the movement's goals shed light on the underlying racism and exclusionary practices that hindered progress. By embracing intersectionality, amplifying marginalized voices, and challenging respectability politics, we can create a more inclusive and effective movement for gender equality.