Gender And Society Flashcards
What is feminism?
Feminism refers to the political, philosophical, economic, psychological, and sociological movements that aim to free women from male dominance and provide them with independence and dignity.
What was the focus of first-wave feminism?
First-wave feminism focused on equality of rights, including the right to vote and financial independence.
What did Harriet Taylor argue in ‘Enfranchisement of Women’?
She argued that a true partnership between genders requires equal pay and financial independence.
What was the goal of second-wave feminism?
Second-wave feminism sought true equality by changing both men’s and women’s mindsets.
What did Betty Friedan’s research reveal about middle-class women in the 1950s?
Her research showed that middle-class women played the role of the dutiful wife and homemaker but were unfulfilled.
What is ‘false-consciousness’ according to Simone de Beauvoir?
It is the idea that even independent women unconsciously support typical gender roles, which prevents true liberation.
What did de Beauvoir argue in ‘The Second Sex’?
She argued that women have allowed themselves to be defined by men and have accepted the role of the “second sex.”
How does society trap modern women in gender roles?
Society defines women’s roles through expectations, including those imposed by other women.
What is ‘the eternal feminine’?
It is the belief that women’s roles are fixed and based on what men expect them to be.
How has de Beauvoir’s vision materialized in modern society?
Women now hold positions as judges, scientists, and executives, though gender pay gaps and the glass ceiling still exist.
What is the distinction between sex and gender?
Sex is biological, while gender refers to traits, behaviors, and roles that may be socially constructed.
How did gender roles change from the 18th century to today?
In the 18th century, women were expected to marry and care for their husbands, whereas modern women have broader identities and roles.
What was Michel Foucault’s view on gender?
He argued that human sexuality cannot be strictly defined in binary terms and exists on a spectrum.
How does power relate to gender, according to Foucault?
Controlling sexual practices has historically been a tool for maintaining power, first by the church and later by doctors, psychoanalysts, and sociologists.
What are the two main perspectives on sex and gender?
Essentialist: Gender roles are intrinsic to biology.
Existentialist: Gender is shaped by upbringing and culture.
How do different cultures view female beauty?
Some cultures value curvy women, while others do not see breasts as sexual but focus on lips or eyes.
What is the conservative Protestant view on women’s roles?
Women should be wives and mothers, creating a domestic haven for their husbands.
Why do conservative Protestants criticize women working outside the home?
They believe it takes jobs from men and diminishes men’s roles.
How do conservative Protestants view non-traditional families?
They oppose them, believing they do not align with biblical creation and lead to negative social outcomes.
How do liberal Protestants view gender roles?
They see gender as a human construct and emphasize individual freedom in choosing roles.
What is the liberal Protestant stance on non-traditional families?
They believe that love, security, and provision matter more than family structure.
How does the Catholic Church view feminism?
The Church supports women’s dignity but is cautious about feminist movements that challenge traditional gender roles.
What is ‘Mulieris Dignitatem’?
It is a Catholic document that acknowledges gender differences but asserts that men and women are equal in the image of God.
Why does the Catholic Church emphasize Mary’s role?
Mary is seen as a model of motherhood, illustrating women’s dignity and role in salvation.
