“Some social institutions are known for their use of force, while others are less peaceful than they appear. Men’s violence against women and children (whether physical, emotional, or sexual) in families of all social classes and racial-ethnic compositions contradicts the dominant belief that the home is a place of tranquility and love. Sexual harassment on the job as a dimension of social control belies the belief that men and women encounter a similar work environment. In the media, depicting rape as pleasurable to women and portraying violence against Native Americans, Asian Americans, and African Americans in numerous movies as justified contributes to a generalized belief system condoning violence. Thus violence is both hated and condoned in a society where the meaning, commission, and consequences of violence are deeply tied to race, class, and gender inequality.”
— Margaret L. Andersen and Patricia Hill Collins, “The Structure of Social Institutions” (via wretchedoftheearth)
