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The family is the basic cell of government: it is where we…

“The family is the basic cell of government: it is where we are trained to believe that we are human beings or that we are chattel, it is where we are trained to see the sex and race divisions and become callous to injustice even if it is done to ourselves, to accept as biological a full system of…” quote by Gloria Steinem
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“The family is the basic cell of government: it is where we are trained to believe that we are human beings or that we are chattel, it is where we are trained to see the sex and race divisions and become callous to injustice even if it is done to ourselves, to accept as biological a full system of authoritarian government.”

Gloria Steinem

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Family shapes our beliefs about humanity and hierarchy, often embedding oppression from birth.

In simple terms: Family teaches us social roles and can normalize injustice.

Key Takeaway

Question and reshape inherited beliefs.

Themes

family socialization power injustice

Mood

critical inquisitive

Type

social political

When to use this quote

  • education
  • parenting
  • policy making
  • community organizing

Key Concepts

feminist theory critical sociology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What family teachings have you challenged?
  • How can societies foster equitable upbringing?
A Different Perspective

Changing deep-seated beliefs is difficult and may meet resistance.

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