Barbara Kingsolver critiques gender inequality by comparing the similarities of Congolese and American culture. In almost every era of society, men have dominated women. Women have never (until today) had a say in politics, have been unable to obtain an education, or acquire their own finances. Throughout the Poisonwood Bible, Kingsolver emphasizes men's oppression of women. In many cultures, women's purpose is to be wives and creators of babies, while men's purpose is also to provide food and money. This principle of being the means to support a family well is what determines a person's value to society. The man has a great responsibility, taking care of the family materially, including food, shelter and other goods. The woman continues to produce offspring and is particularly vulnerable throughout the year, especially during pregnancy. This power differential results in an abuse of force sufficient to break another's spirit. “What is the conqueror’s wife if not a conquest itself? A woman is worthless. In reality, both sexes are equal. What is different, what actually affects the actions of others, is how a person is treated. If a person is treated as inferior, then he becomes inferior. Often, who we are is not determined by us, as many hope and believe. Who we are is predetermined by society. It doesn't matter if it's true or false. Popular belief is the only belief. As inferiors, why would women worry about finances? Man is typically the hunter, the bringer of food. It is he who is responsible for material needs. This progression in historical life no longer applies to the modern world; a world of jo...... middle of paper ...... solution to many civil rights issues. A child cannot fight against labor law because he is a minor. An African-American cannot defend his right to vote if his voice is not recognized. A woman cannot fight for her own equality if her inequality has already set a precedent. In the lives of Congolese and Americans alike, it is commonly accepted that it is necessary for a woman to be subject to the strength of a man. “Leah was troubled that people thought our household was deficient because we lacked a bakala mpandi – a strong man – to watch over us.” Women lack independence. Only a dependent person can fight for this independence. A woman will therefore not become dependent. "There is no justice in this world, this world has brought one abomination after another upon the heads of the meek, and I will not live to see the meek inherit anything..”