Gender and Society - DCT Flashcards
What is the implication of maternal instinct evolving?
That it may not have divine moral authority.
What does radical feminism argue?
That cultural oppression needs to be challenged for true equality.
What is the critique of radical feminism’s view of motherhood?
It may be too dismissive of women’s genuine choices.
What does Pinker say about the gender paradox?
That gender equality increases differences in lifestyle choices.
What does ‘existence precedes essence’ mean?
Humans exist first and must create their own essence or purpose.
What does JP II say about motherhood?
It is a woman’s natural purpose and source of fulfillment.
What does liberal feminist theology say about the Bible?
That it requires reinterpretation as it reflects human error.
What’s a counterpoint to rejecting maternal instinct?
It may still help women flourish and shouldn’t be ignored.
What is an alternative explanation for gendered interests?
Social conditioning shapes interests, not biology.
What does liberal feminism advocate?
Equal rights and opportunities for men and women.
How do feminists interpret biblical stories?
As male-authored tools to support patriarchy.
What is gender traditionalism?
The view that traditional gender roles are natural and best for human life.
What are gender roles?
Psychological traits and societal expectations associated with being male or female.
What is the liberal approach to biblical inspiration?
The Bible is a human record of divine events, not the perfect word of God.
Why is ‘existence precedes essence’ important to feminism?
It supports creating identity over accepting imposed roles.
What is Beauvoir’s view of ‘maternal instinct’?
It is a socially constructed response, not a biological fact.
Why do feminists critique Mulieris Dignitatum?
It essentialises women’s identity as mothers.
What is meant by ‘internalised misogyny’?
Adopting sexist beliefs due to cultural conditioning.
What does Pinker think about women in professions?
Different interests, not discrimination, may explain imbalance.
What do radical feminists believe about motherhood?
That it is a result of internalised misogyny.
How does Mary O’Brien differ from de Beauvoir?
She sees motherhood as positive if chosen freely.
What is de Beauvoir’s view on Mary?
That she is valued only as a submissive servant in Christianity.
What do post-Christian feminists argue?
That the Bible’s patriarchy proves it’s man-made, not divine.
What do traditional gender roles suggest for men and women?
Men should be active in the world; women should be submissive and focus on homemaking.
What is ‘tabula rasa’?
The idea that the mind is a blank slate without innate traits.
How do feminists explain the patriarchy in the Bible?
As a result of men creating ideologies that serve their interests.
What does Aquinas believe about male rationality?
That men are naturally more rational than women.
What is de Beauvoir’s Marxist-style critique of religion?
Religion is a male tool to control and oppress women.
What do liberal feminists argue about choice?
Women should freely choose whether to become mothers.
What is the feminist view on Eve’s blame for the fall?
It’s part of the narrative blaming women for sin.
How do traditionalists respond to feminist critique?
They say feminists deny the natural order designed by God.
How does society pressure girls differently than boys?
Girls are taught to aspire to marriage, not careers.
How does Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount support liberal feminism?
It shows Jesus modifying Old Testament laws, indicating evolving ethics.
What punishment did Eve receive after the fall?
Pain in childbirth and submission to her husband.
What does de Beauvoir argue must be destroyed?
The concept of motherhood as a woman’s identity.
What is the feminist response to gendered telos?
It is a man-made ideology used to perpetuate male dominance.
What is Mulieris Dignitatum?
A letter by Pope John Paul II defending Christian views on gender.
What is Mary Daly’s criticism of the Virgin Mary?
She claims Mary represents patriarchal control and passive femininity.
What is a criticism of Pinker’s view?
Scientists have historically used bad science to justify sexism.
What is an alternative explanation of neglectful mothers?
That childhood trauma can interfere with maternal instinct.
What does feminist theology advocate regarding scripture?
Reinterpretation of patriarchal verses.
What does 1 Timothy 2:12 say about women?
Women should not teach or have authority over men.
What does the gender paradox suggest?
More freedom leads to more gendered choices.
What is biblical patriarchy?
The belief that the Bible promotes male dominance over women.
What is biblical inspiration in liberal theology?
The Bible reflects human interpretation of divine events.
How does Daly critique religious veneration of women?
It encourages submissive, passive roles for women.
What does Daly mean by ‘God is the ultimate Harvey Weinstein’?
She criticises the power imbalance in the story of Mary.
What does Steven Pinker argue about gender differences?
That they are biological and rooted in brain differences.
What did de Beauvoir say about girlhood?
Girls are raised to see marriage as their life goal.
What is the Golden Thread argument?
That equality is a consistent theme throughout the Bible.
What does Beauvoir say about femininity?
It’s constructed by society, not inherent.
What is natural law reasoning about telos?
The idea that beings have natural purposes given by God.
How might traditional Christians defend biblical gender roles?
By saying the Bible is divinely inspired and reflects God’s will.
What does Genesis suggest about gender roles?
That Eve was created from Adam to be his helper.
What did Aquinas say about submission of women?
It benefits women and is necessary for family order.
Why did traditionalists view gender roles as good?
Because they believed God or evolution designed them for human flourishing.
What does de Beauvoir say about motherhood?
It forces women to give up their desires and self.
What is Daly’s view of Mary’s conception?
That it was non-consensual and symbolic of patriarchal control.
What did Oakley find about motherhood?
Many women find being stay-at-home mothers frustrating.
What does ‘One is not born, but becomes a woman’ mean?
Gender is created by social conditioning, not biology.
What is the core of feminist critique of biblical gender roles?
They were written to serve male interests.
What is feminist biblical criticism?
An approach that critiques the Bible for its patriarchal content.
What does Simone de Beauvoir say about telos?
That people must define their own purpose, not follow imposed roles.
How might cultural bias explain Pinker’s findings?
Social norms influence preferences, not biology.
What does Ephesians 5 say about marriage roles?
Wives should submit to husbands; husbands should love their wives.
What is Anne Oakley known for?
Her research showing maternal instinct is culturally learned.
How did Augustine interpret Genesis’ creation of Eve?
That only men contain the image of God by themselves.
Why does de Beauvoir reject liberal feminism?
Because it doesn’t address historical oppression and stunted development.
What is Ruether’s view on biblical gender roles?
The Bible is inconsistent, supporting both patriarchy and equality.
What did Sartre believe about objective purpose?
That it causes existential anxiety and is fabricated for comfort.
How do feminists respond to telos-based gender roles?
By arguing they are cultural inventions serving male interests.
What do feminists argue about gender roles?
That they are socially constructed and wrongly imposed by society.
What does de Beauvoir say about male adulthood?
Men are seen as adults when employed; women, when married.
Why do feminists critique Aquinas’ view?
It perpetuates a false hierarchy based on gender.
What does de Beauvoir say about female development?
It’s stunted by social expectations and pressure.
What does Pinker say about equality and outcomes?
Biological differences may cause outcome gaps even in equal societies.
