These experiences have been shared by many millions of women. Part of the oppression is that we are told that these experiences are not really hurtful and that if we think they are, then that is just further proof of what is wrong with us. The following is a list of outward behaviors which have been compiled over time to reflect some of the ways that women have internalized the oppression that they have experienced in their lives. If they are parents, creating a nurturing environment, or caring for a child is often not even thought of as work at all, when in fact it is, in essence, the most important job there is in a society. Clerical work, scientific work, or teaching are also seen as less valuable than other kinds of work.
Women feel and act competitive with each other.
This can take at least two forms. Sometimes women are openly competitive and sometimes women withdraw from competition altogether. Both approaches are often based on feeling inadequate. Women tend to criticize other women. Often women actually feel critical and at other times they feel like they are just trying to be helpful.