| Low income American women of limited education have not supported the women's movement with their voices or votes to any great extent. Since prime goals of the movement are equal pay for equal work and increased job opportunity for all women, such lack of support is puzzling. Analysis of data on such women finds reasons for it, however.;Class differences in values and expectations are an obstacle to understanding among middle-class feminists and LI/LE women, who are usually working class. These differences are examined using sociological data. Lack of education is a crucial factor, in the eyes of those who lack it. Values and expected behavior regarding childrearing, relationships with men, and appropriate dress and behavior for women are not the same for middle-class and working-class women. The language which the feminist movement--especially the more radical wing--uses to express values is more apt to anger than persuade an LI/LE woman.;Analysis points to alternative rhetorical strategies which could appeal to this particular audience of potential supporters for the women's movement. Measures which could narrow the communication gap include: (1) increased research on the working-class woman herself, not as the silent partner of the working-class man; (2) an attempt to put more feminist ideas into the magazine and television programs which the LI/LE woman already sees; (3) direct, empathetic contact among feminists and LI/LE women working together on common projects; and (4) debate training for feminist speakers, with impartial raters.;A brief history of American working-class women and of the earlier women's movement shows the foundations of the current campaign for opportunities for women. Recurring patterns are traced in reports of interviews done with low income women of limited education. Media channels through which LI/LE women get their information on the women's movement are examined, as are two oral channels through which they receive information--direct contact with feminists and opinions which are passed down by older people. |
