Lecture notes
Gender and Society
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This Document discusses how views on Gender have changed from the Bible to contemporary times. It also focuses on the three waves of Feminism.
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13.2:Gender and Society:What is Gender?
It is difficult to explain,
DNA and Genetics?
What you identify as?
The dictionary definition of Gender as the state of being male
or female, and the range of Characteristics pertaining to
masculinity and femininity.
Traditional ideas would link Gender to Essentialism This
means that gender is linked to biology/genetics/bodies.
Ideas about Gender may also be Existentialist.
Biological sex is not that important when discussing gender.
Secular Views of Gender:
As we have seen, traditionally, sex and gender are not
fixed things.
Western Society has traditionally placed great emphasis
on gender, distinctions and it is usual for children to be
socialised according to gender norms right from birth.
We use a binary system of gender in all aspects of life.
Traditional views of gender and gender expectations are
deeply embedded in the Western Psyche.
These Western Traditional views are Patriarchal.
, Patriarchy-
In Patriarchal Societies, men generally hold a position of
power over women in society and the home
They are writers of history, the lawmakers, the “voice of
society”
In such societies men and women do not enjoy equal
opportunities and are not regarded as equals
In ancient Greece, Plato believed Women are inferior to
men.
Aristotle said that women cannot produce semen and they
are therefore “defective”- didn’t know females had eggs
Therefore, men are active in reproduction and females are
passive, men are the ones who give “life-giving force” to
women So society should be ruled by men.
Thomas Aquinas was highly influenced by Aristotle.
In Summa Theologica he argues that women are inferior to
men in physical strength and intelligence
Aquinas also used the word “defective” when comparing
women to men
In the natural order of the world women are inferior to men
creates order in society
History of Patriarchy:
Heavily influenced by Greek and Thomist philosophy history
of patriarchy.
Women are oppressed in history, subjugated or persecuted.
We call this misogyny ( a hatred for women)
e.g.
Chinese foot-binding
Hindu Suttee
FGM
Witch-hunting
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