Which of the following statements most accurately characterizes the social philosophy of the Shakers?

   

• Because they believed men were spiritually weaker than women, the Shakers segregated the sexes to protect men from temptation.
• Shaker communities excluded African Americans in order to maintain racial purity.
• Shaker men seeking refuge from the world of capitalism outnumbered Shaker women two to one.
• Both men and women shared governance of the community.

ANSWER: Both men and women shared governance of the community.