Randi Warne on Gender Definitions, Roles, and Impact Flashcards
How does Warne define “gender”?
Warne defines “gender” as a set of social and cultural expectations and roles assigned to individuals based on their perceived sex. It involves the behaviors, roles, and attributes society considers appropriate for men and women.
Why does Warne write that “issues of power” are closely connected to the ways in which notions about gender are utilized in society?
Warne argues that gender roles and expectations often reflect and perpetuate power dynamics, with certain genders being privileged or marginalized. These power relations shape and are shaped by the cultural and social constructions of gender.
How is “gender” different from “sex”?
Gender refers to the social and cultural roles and expectations associated with being male or female, while sex pertains to the biological differences between males and females.
Why might ideas about gender be seen as entailing culturally created “roles”?
Gender roles are culturally created because they prescribe specific behaviors and expectations for individuals based on their gender. These roles are shaped by societal norms and values, which vary across different cultures and historical periods.
In what ways do notions of gender exert significant political, legal, and social effects?
Gender notions influence laws, policies, and social norms, affecting opportunities, rights, and power dynamics in society. They can determine access to resources, influence political representation, and shape social hierarchies.
In what ways can we see issues of gender at work in religion and in the texts we have read?
Gender issues in religion and texts can be seen in the roles assigned to different genders, the depiction of gendered behavior, and the power dynamics reflected in religious practices and narratives. For example, biblical texts often reflect and reinforce traditional gender roles and hierarchies, impacting how individuals engage with religious authority and community roles.
How are power, authority, and opportunities either facilitated or constrained by one’s gender in the texts?
Gender often determines access to authority and opportunities in religious texts. Men might be portrayed as leaders or holders of religious authority, while women’s roles might be more limited or defined in terms of support or domestic duties. These representations reflect broader social structures and can influence how gender roles are perceived and enacted in religious contexts.
