Gender & Body Flashcards
What is the idea of dualism that is so strong in Western world?
The idea that the body and mind are seperate
Is the mind-body dualism gender neutral?
Nope. It is gendered
What does the “mind” refer to in dualism?
Rational, eternal, immortal divine -> usually masculine
What does the “body” refer to in dualism?
Temporal, sensual, sinful, irrational -> usually feminine
What do we mean by expression of identity in terms of body?
It is a part of our expression towards who we are
What is the beauty myth?
It is the belief that there is universal quality of beauty. Women aspire to embody it and men desire women who embody the myth
Why can the beauty myth be revealed as a myth?
Throughout history, the ideals of a female body has been changing drastically. To slim bodies to larger ones
What usually determines the contents of the beauty myth?
economic and political institutions. Media also plays a role in the universalisation of myths
What is the hysteria disease?
It is a projected idea of a disease that affects women, with the intent to discipline female bodies. The treatment rests on isolation and rest. Usually, patients were higher and middle class women
What percentage tells us about the issue of body image?
84% women have dieted to lose weight. 58% of men have done the same
What are body dismorphic disorders?
The frequent mirror checking, expressive grooming, face picking and reassurance seeking
What problems with bodies were discovered in the 50s and 60s?
Anorexia and bulimia
What are the most common plastic surgery procedures worldwide?
Breast augmentation, liposuction and eyelid surgery
What do we mean by normalisation of body in cosmetic surgery?
With cosmetic surgery we have built an image of a normalised body ideal
What is blepharoplasty?
It is a type of surgery that remove excess skin from the eyelids. It erases signs of aging. Makes Asians look more European
How does blepharoplasty potray racial inequality?
Because it is used for Asians to look more European, because European look is more in line with the beauty myth
How can beauty be power through beauty rituals?
it leads to social spaces for women, networking and time spent by yourself. Furthermore, leads to solidarity, relationship building and exchange of experiences
How have the cosmetic industry been positive to women?
It has lead to opportunities for women to enter the economy. Chances to get the role of inventor, not only consumer
How do we see body modifications in other non-western cultures?
Tribes in Africa, for example, have large rings in their ears and their mouth
What is important to men body standards?
Display of masculinity
What is the importance of being tall for men?
It shows leadership potential and security
Why is sports important for men?
it is an arena in which boys use their bodies to demonstrate masculinity, allowing them to amass “physical capital” and gain masculine status
What is embodiment?
A social process through which women and men, as active social agents, develop their bodies as both the objects and agents of practice
What is body-reflexive practice?
We experience ourselves as both in and as our bodies
What is interesting about beauty ideal in the antiquity?
It was centered around men. Men’s body was the ideal
What developed in the 17th century?
The body beauty myths of the female body
How did the display of body in art develop during the renaissance?
Before the reinassance, art was dedicated to religion. But then, women’s body became synonymous with nature, and women’s body part of the nature. Since the 2nd half of the 20th century, naked male body returned
How does hegemonic masculinity lead to risky behaviour?
Sports is an arena for risky behaviour with one’s body -> push the limits. Working class men -> violence is legimitised. Men’s body damage due to behaviour. Men does not seek medical help
How are medicine often different between men and women?
There is usually a lack of understanding on women’s body and health, which means treatment can be quite limited
What do we mean by that bodies are social?
Our bodies are disciplined by social institutions
How are our bodies subject to gender inequality?
We have expectations to our bodies according to our attributed gender
How does gender influence our bodies and vice versa
- The way we feel about our bodies, through the beauty myth
- The ways we care for our bodies, as in the relationship between masculinity and health
- Dictates how much control we have over our bodies and what is done to them, as in reproductive rights for example
What does the phrase “throw like a girl” tell us?
That we assign social meaning onto our bodies, and build a concept around physical differences between gendered bodies
How have gender shaped in ways we use our bodies?
Women take up less space when sitting, and when they walk they take shorter steps
