The women's movement is a movement not of an oppressed minority, but of a subjugated majority. Majorities, by the very nature of their scale, are bound to include groups with varying-and warring-priorities and goals. By dint of size, a majority has the power over a minority-unless its foundations are eroded. The cheapest way to weaken and undermine a mass movement is to use its differences to divide it, and thus maintain power over it.
The women's movement is characterized as a struggle not just for a small oppressed group but as a fight for a subjugated majority. This majority, inherently diverse, comprises varied interests and conflicts. Due to its size, it holds influence over smaller groups unless that power is compromised. The text emphasizes the importance of recognizing these dynamics in understanding the broader fight for women's rights.
The author warns that the most effective strategy to undermine a powerful movement is to exploit its internal differences. By highlighting and manipulating the various priorities within the majority, those in power can weaken the collective action necessary for real change. This insight serves as a reminder of the need for unity and solidarity among diverse groups within the women's movement to resist oppression.
