Unit 2: Morality and Relationships Flashcards
What moral issues are raised about gender roles? (4)
- Sexism is still a big issue. For example, different roles can often lead to the perception that men and women shouldn’t have equal treatment.
- Glass ceiling – women can see the top jobs such as managerial positions and CEO but can’t break through the glass ceiling to get them.
- The pay gap – despite the Equal Pay Act of 1970 women are still paid on average between 15 and 20% less than men. Taking time off to have and care for children has been identified as a contributory factor.
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Stereotyping – women are often stereotyped in terms of personality traits, roles and hobbies. Men are stereotyped too (ex: being associated with blue)
Stereotypes then lead to prejudice and unfair discrimination - Discrimination – women still face discrimination eg. in the workplace women might be overlooked for promotion or not be given certain jobs because they are at the childbearing age, sexual harassment etc.
Explain the possible impact of having different gender roles in society. (6)
With gender roles, women will continue to be expected to be a housewife, with the job of cooking, cleaning and looking after the children.
Men may also be seen as the breadwinners who are expected to go to work and to provide for their families. Some feel their role extends to making decisions on behalf of the family (ex: in management of finance). This will continue to happen with gender roles.
Men may feel that they have to keep their stress and emotions to themselves because it is stereotyped that men are seen as the brave ones.
Gender roles may lead to women being in caring jobs (ex: nursing) and men in heavy labour jobs (ex: engineering).
If gender roles are taught to children, this can lead to these opinions being internalised in their minds, which influences their identities and attitudes as they grow up.
By having gender roles, this could lead to a significant pay gap between men and women for the same job, as employers think that men/women are more suited for it.
Choose a non-religious viewpoint you have studied. Describe what it says about gender roles. (4)
UTILITARIANISM
- Utilitarianism often values efficiency and productivity in achieving societal goals. Gender roles that restrict individuals’ access to education, employment, or leadership positions based on their gender may be viewed as inefficient from a utilitarian perspective.
- Utilitarianism prioritizes the prevention of harm and suffering as imperative. Gender roles that perpetuate stereotypes, discrimination, or violence against certain genders are considered morally wrong if they result in harm to individuals or groups.
- Utilitarianism values individual autonomy and the pursuit of happiness as fundamental. Gender roles that restrict individuals’ freedom to choose their own paths in life or pursue their own goals and interests based on their gender are seen as contrary to its principles.
- Utilitarianism encourages consideration of the long-term consequences of actions and policies on overall happiness and well-being. Gender roles that perpetuate inequalities or reinforce harmful stereotypes may have negative long-term effects on societal cohesion, mental health, and social justice, which are against its principles.
Choose a religious viewpoint you have studied. Describe what it says about gender roles. (4)
- Catholicism often emphasizes the complementary nature of gender roles, teaching that men and women have distinct roles within the family, society, and the Church.
- Catholicism also emphasizes the inherent dignity and equality of all human beings, regardless of gender. According to CST, both men and women are created in the image and likeness of God and possess equal worth and value.
- A Christian might say that God created men and women equally as shown in Genesis 1, where humans are created on day six. Therefore, some may argue that there is no need for distinct roles in family or church life.
- In Catholicism, women may be seen as a helper or companion to men. For example, women are not allowed to take up priestly roles in the Church, but they can read readings at Mass.
“Different gender roles shouldn’t be accepted in the modern world.”
How far do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (8)
FOR
Women deserve an equal role in the Church because they have the spiritual qualities needed to play an important part in the Church such as ministers, elders and even bishops in the Church of England, Scotland and many other churches.
There are many quotes which seem to go against gender roles, and push for equality, such as St Paul’s in Galatians: ”There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.
Jesus had friendships with women which were very important such as Mary Magdalene who was the first woman to see Jesus after he had been resurrected.
The story of Genesis could be seen as against gender roles as both men and women were created on the last day in the image of God because they were both special.
AGAINST
Christianity supports gender roles because women are not able to reach the same level as males for example, in the Roman Catholic Church women are exempt from being priests.
There are many quotes which seem to go push gender roles in society. In Timothy women are meant to be submissive in Church. ‘I do not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet’
Traditional gender roles have been upheld within Catholicism for centuries, and many argue that this historical precedent should be respected and maintained.
Some Catholics view marriage as supporting gender roles within, with the husband as the head of the household and the wife as the nurturer.
“A person who is true to their religion should always treat men and women equally.”
How far do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (8)
FOR
Many religious traditions, including Christianity, teach the fundamental equality of all human beings before the divine. For example: ”For God does not show favoritism.” - Romans 2:11
A person true to their religion will realise that it is part of ethics and justice in the modern world to treat all with compassion, not in a way that makes one gender subordinate to the other.
Equality between men and women fosters social justice and harmony within communities and societies. By aiming for this, we can have an equitable society, which is emphasised in religious scripture.
Embracing equality between men and women facilitates interfaith dialogue. Recognising and respecting the equal worth of individuals promotes understanding and tolerance.
Women and men are equal, but may have different roles within society, shown in this Bible verse: “A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.”
AGAINST
Religious texts emphasise gender distinctions and push gender inequality between men and women. For example: ”Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” - Ephesians 5:22 (first part)
An argument for gender inequality is that women were not chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 disciples in the New Testament.
The story of Adam and Eve could be seen as an argument for gender inequality as Eve is seen as the Temptress who causes the Fall of humankind.
Describe two gender roles. (6)
One traditional gender roles is that men are expected to be the provider of the household.
They are expected to be smart, brave and masculine. Men are also associated with being aggressive and dominant. They are also expected not to ever share their feelings with others, especially with their partner.
Another gender role is that women stay at home to cook, clean and take care of the children. They are expected to look small and delicate. They are also seen as emotional and the submissive partner.
Describe some reasons why people may form relationships with each other. (4)
- People may form relationships with one another because they want friendship/companionship
- People may need personal/professional support
- People may want to share mutual interest & pleasure
- People want to have the basis to start a family
Choose a religious viewpoint you have studied. Describe what it says about the purpose of sex. (4)
- Catholics believe that the purpose of sex is procreative. This means to start a family/children
- Catholics believe he purpose of sex is unitive, to form a connection with one another and become one
- Catholics believe that sex is a gift from God
- Catholics believe that sex should never undermine the dignity of the human person
Explain moral issues arising from consent. (4)
- A moral issue arising from consent is that people who are drunk may never have given consent when sober
- Another moral issue is that people may find it hard to give consent when they are being peer pressured
- Another moral issue is that when there’s a power imbalance, there can be a damaging relationship between the two partners
- Another moral issue is that even with consent, one partner may not understand what they are consenting to
“Religious and non-religious views disagree with each other on sex.” To what extent is this true? Give reasons for your answer. (8)
AGREE:
- Sex is a gift from God and that it is something to be enjoyed between a man and a woman who are married.
- Whereas for non-religious people sex has nothing to do with God and doesn’t need to be between a man and a woman and you do not need to be married to them
- Non-religious people’s rules about sex will be more likely to be based on the law, contrary to religious people who will base it on scripture.
- Religion often teaches that sex is for the purpose of having children and for example in the Catholic Church the use of artificial contraception is restricted.
- However, non-religious views may see sex as something that can be enjoyed for its own sake and therefore the use of contraception is encouraged.
DISAGREE:
- Both religious and non-religious views can still agree that sex is an expression of love and can make a relationship stronger
- They can agree that there still need to be rules about who you can have sex with. For example, as religious texts forbid incest, as does the law
- Both religious and non-religious views agree that cheating on someone you are married to is wrong
- Some religious and non-religious views might agree that having sex out-with marriage is acceptable providing that it is based on love and commitment.
Choose a religious viewpoint you have studied. Describe what it says about marriage. (4)
Catholics believe that marriage is a relationship that is loving, life-giving and based on total commitment.
Marriage provides a strong, healthy foundation upon which a family is built.
Marriage is a gift from God which allows the couple to live in comfort and companionship.
Christian marriage is for life and is permanent and exclusive
Sacramental marriage is a sign for the Church because God’s love is reflected in the love the husband and wife have for each other.
What moral issues are raised by sexual relationships? (4)
Can lead to unwanted pregnancy.
It’s unclear as to what age are you mature enough to deal with the emotions surrounding sexual relationships.
If people have sexual activity without artificial contraception they could contract HIV or STIs.
People run the risk of being hurt by their partner in sexual relationships.
What moral issues are raised by same-sex relationships? (4)
Not enough support for same-sex couples suffering from lack of acceptance in society.
Some people may disagree with same-sex relationships for moral or religious reasons because they think that sexual relationships are for having children.
People may feel that they are forbidden by their scriptures and it goes against God’s commands.
There might be disagreement as to whether people in a same sex relationship should be allowed to get married, because this redefines the definition of marriage.
Describe moral issues arising from arranged marriages. (4)
- The couple may not have met each other prior to marriage and therefore not know what to expect.
- In certain cultures, arranged marriages may be purely based on horoscopes or what caste you belong to, which might mean couple might not find true love.
- Some arranged marriages may be first cousin marriages or another type of family marriage, which increases the probability of genetic issues.
- Some people in 3rd world countries may get arranged marriages so that they can get residency in the UK and live a better life, not based on marriage.
