Gender and Society

Question 1

When was abortion made legal in the UK?

Answer 1

1967

Question 2

What were the three waves of feminism?

Answer 2

First wave- Suffragettes working for the vote.
Second wave- sexual health movement.
Third wave- question of gender roles.

Question 3

What was Aquinas’ general view on women?

Answer 3

• 13th century, women are inferior to men in strength and intelligence.
• Called women ‘defective men’.
• Did note that there was a special place for women, such as the Virgin Mary and the women at the foot of the cross. Commended them for their love and devotion to God.

Question 4

Which biblical passages reflect the outdated views on women?

Answer 4

St Paul’s writings.

Question 5

What was Pope John Paul’s letter on the dignity of women?
When was it written?

Answer 5

‘Mulieris Dignitatem’
1988

Question 6

What does Ephesians 5:22 say about women?

Answer 6

‘Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord’.
‘Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church’.
‘the two will become one flesh’.

Question 7

What were the motivations of John Paul II writing his letter?

Answer 7

• To clarify the Catholic position on issues surrounding women.
• Letter in response to accusations that the church was sexist.