Introduction Flashcards
Why does it matter to study gender?
Learning about gender inevitably involves learning about yourself and own life. Gender is all around us and a personal part of us
What is the famous quote by Judith Lorber?
Talking about gender for most people is like equivalent to fish talking about water
What is sex?
A biological category. Examples: male, female, intersex
What is gender?
Refers to sociocultural norms. It is an organising principle that structures behaviours, attitudes, physical appearance and habits
What is intersectionality?
It describes overlapping or intersecting categories such as gender, ethnicity/racial origin, age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation and geographic location, that compound to determine the identities and experiences of individuals
What do we mean when we say gender as a structural category?
An understanding of gender that influences social structures because it is “embedded” in organisations, social relations, legal systems, and all social institutions
What is the social construction of reality?
Our experiences of the world are put into categories and treated as real things. It is a constructed reality
What is the famous quote by W. I. Thomas? The Thomas Principle?
If people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences
How did women and feminist studies evolve?
1970s-80s: Focus on analysis of women oppression through women’s experiences
Early 1990s: Black feminist criticism of white middle-class women movements. Emerging new ways to define women’s experiences
Late 1990: Inclusion of masculinity refine the real object of gender studies -> social construct of gender
How did masculine studies evolve?
1980s: First studies of masculinity. Loss of power and assignment of traditional gender roles. Anti-feminist idea that the natural order must be restored
1990s and beyond: Differences between men are the most important aspects. Constructing masculinity differently -> hegemonic and subordinate for instance
How did LGBTQ+/Queer studies evolve?
1970s: women’s studies influenced to uncover the hidden history of gay and lesbian life in the US
1990s: Queer theory is developed. Analysis of heterosexuality -> striving to be not only a theory of sexuality and gender, but a broader social theory
What is gender sensitivity?
The ability to identify and highlight gender differences, gender issues and inequalities and to integrate this into strategies and activities
What is gender lens?
An approach that helps to discover opportunities to explore the world (such as products and services that benefit women)
