gender and society Flashcards
what is feminism
the name given to a wide range of views arguing for equality for women
what is gender biology
the physical characteristics that enable someone to be identified as male or female
what is gender identification
the way people perceive themselves in terms of masculine, feminine, both or neither
what is gender expression
the way people behave as a result of thier gender identification
what is socialisation
the process by which people learn social norms
what is a patriarchal society
a society that is dominated by men and men’s interests
one reason for why men have dominated society
historically, women were not educated. One of the best known early feminist texts by Mary Wollstonecraft in 1792 called ‘A Vindication of The Rights of Woman’ argued for educating both men and women to the same standard
Malala Yousafzai “I raise up my voice - …”
“I raise up my voice, not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard”
what did feminism used to be known as
‘Women’s liberation movement’
Plato’s view of male and female gender roles
Plato thought that men and women were not equal and that women are inferior to men
Plato: “It is only males….”
“it is only males who are created directly by the gods and given souls”
Aristotle’s views of male and female gender roles
Aristotle argued that women are ‘naturally’ inferior to men therefore men have a right to rule women and women should submit. He said reproduction happens because men have the ability produce sperm and women cannot so they are ‘defective’ (didnt know about females producing eggs). The male is active in reproduction and the female is passive.
Aquinas view of male and female gender roles
women are inferior to men in physical strength and intelligence. Aquinas also used the word ‘defective’ when comparing women to men.
However, whilst inferior, women still have a place in heaven alongside the Virgin Mary
support for Aquinas’ views (strength and intelligence)
women less intelligent due to lack of education from a patriarchal system
Men are naturally physically stronger than women
