ISU Post

Another main social issue in the novel, "Brave New World" is discrimination, as the novel represents concerns about the position of women in society. It specifically shows an Utopian future with a class system (castes), in which there are specific castes i.e Alphas, Betas, Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons. Alphas are a part of the highest social class, they run the big factories. While Betas are intelligent and do not require training for work. Gammas are semi skilled workers and low risk professionals. Deltas work for the Alphas by manufacturing their products.  While Epsilons are illiterate and do jobs like sewage labor. They are also referred to as semi morons. People were upset with the government, the economy and their inability to provide for their families, as the government was the one who created the class system. The class system created by the government allows discrimination to occur, as the lower classes are thought to be useless and a waste of space by the higher classes. This novel also examines the role of women in a futuristic world, for example Lenina represents the ideal woman in this text, her role in society as a woman is to be used sexually by all men. However, the "savage" John regards her as a true equal, as someone to be respected and admired for her inner beauty. Therefore, the text also questions the role of women, and why are they discriminated against. In current events, Steven Harper and his ministry of citizenship believes that face coverings for women creates in-equality. However opponents of the current governing party have pointed out that true equality would allow women to wear a veil over/on their head if they chose to and the government is discriminating against women. Therefore the novel shows discrimination as a main social issue, as it was opposed on the characters in the book and women in today's society.