Colonial America: Gender Roles, Race, and Socioeconomic Classes

This assignment delves into the complexities of gender roles, race, and socioeconomic classes in colonial America. It examines the treatment of Native Americans, enslaved Africans, and women, particularly through the lens of 'femme coverts' and how it shaped legal and social norms. The assignment highlights the legal and social inequalities, including the denial of property rights and civil rights based on gender, race, and disability. It also discusses the concept of 'idiots and insane' and how their disabilities impacted their rights, especially regarding voting. The reference to Zahar (2002) provides additional insights into the legal status of women during this period. This assignment provides a comprehensive overview of the societal structures and power dynamics in colonial America, shedding light on the historical context and the roots of discrimination.

Question
1) a. Describe differences between gender roles, race, and socioeconomic class as the pre-
USA colonies formed. Please choose two groups to discuss: the Native Americans;
enslaved Africans perceived as property and insured; or women as 'femme coverts'.
(Nielsen Chs 3 and 4)
Answer:
The Gender roles, race and socioeconomic class in the Pre-USA colonies were designed to
facilitate the interests of the masters. Present-day historians often discuss the question that says
“racism came first or slavery.” The customs of the Pre-USA colonies were supporting the
undertones of slavery, for instance, the concept of “femme coverts” can be discussed.
It was a social norm in many areas of pre-USA colonies. The provision was equal for native
Americans and enslaved Africans, under this concept, the legal rights of the females were
surrendered to their husband, they were not allowed to hold independent properties. However,
after the death of the husband, they were answerable to their masters. This can be further
explained with the help of law, for instance, if a man kills her wife then he was a criminal of the
judiciary. On the other hand, if a female does the same thing, then she is answerable to her
master first (Zahar, 2002).
The concepts like “Femme Covert” support the theory where they say that “Slavery created the
discriminations and racism came in an existence later on.”
2) What Do “idiots and Insane” mean?

The concept of the “Idiots and Insane” refers to a clan of individuals who were not allowed to
hold properties or enjoy civil rights because of their physical disabilities or mental status. The
connotation of this phrase continued in the post colonized era as well when Voting rights for
these individuals were prevented because of their disabilities.

References
Zahar, C. (2002). When a Woman’s Marital Status Determined Her Legal Status: A Research
Guide on the Common Law Doctrine of Coverture. Law Library Journal,
http://people.virginia.edu/~jdk3t/ZaherWMS.pdf.