Women, historically have had a very hard way to go, and being a woman of color only adds to that very fervor. The subject of gender is so woven within our society that we at times, assume that it is a part of our genes. The breakdown of men and women in society is guided by the notion that we are to follow certain rules that is contigent upon the current situaion for that moment. Black women are often not factored into the inequality equation, thereby creating gaps in gender stratification breakdown. The pursuit of a post-secondary education, helps to tear down the stigmatization that women of color are often given. Many feminist would argue that women of color have added to the advancement of women's rights since the early 18th century in America.  The recent changes in the welfare system, has generated an outpouring of women into the workforce, causing some to return to the halls of education. Althought there has been advancement in the realm of women, there is still a disproportionate number of women who are not obtaining the necessary resources to be successful in society according to some sociologists.

 

 Noted feminist Dorothy Smith's concept of Bifurcation of consciousness can best describe the plight of black women in America. Smith argues that there is a split between the world and the world as you actually experience it and the dominant view underwhich you have to adapt (Smith,1987). Subordinate groups according to Smith, have to view the world from that of the dominant group. This according to Smith creates what is known as the "governing" mode. Ironically Smith's aligns herself with W.E.B. Dubois in his concept of the "Double Consciousness". In other words the oppressed person must adapt to  how the game is played. That is the overall plight of women of color as it pertains to advancing and achieving in a non-black rule environment.