WEEK 2

Othering
"Othering" in women and gender studies means treating certain groups of people as different or
foreign, creating a divide between "us" and "them." It often involves devaluing and
marginalizing those who are considered different, based on factors like gender, race, or sexuality.
Example: “Intersectionality of Gender and Sex” (Marika Morris)
-​ She speaks about variation of different features between this intersectionality specifically,
how women experience racism.
-​ Simply due to gender, women are treated differently and even more devalued if they are
racialized.
-​ Racism is a huge example of othering as it considers people to be different
-​ For instance, Morris states that racialized men earn less than white women.
-​ Othering shown every single day, in the gender wage gap, employment barriers
immigrants face, and norms

Myth of Shared WomanHood (McKenzie)(this is a reading itself so we don't need example)

-​ Myth: women have a different life experience and they understand each other on some
deep level and is some universal way
-​ True but last part is tricky, not everyone feels any universal connected with ppl born
female
-​ Not all female understand each other
-​ queer= heterosexual norms
-​ Women parts do not define women, not what bonding women have with each other
-​ “Possession of vaginas’ do not define women nor what bond women together
-​ Shared experiences of the worlds such as race, sexuality, disability, class is what makes a
bond between females.

Gender Essentialism
Gender essentialism is the belief that certain characteristics, roles, and behaviors are inherent and
unchangeable aspects of being male or female. For example, nursing or teaching is more
appropriate for women because they are seen as nurturing, whereas engineering is more for men
because of the way they think.
Example: “Ways of Seeing” John Berger
-​ He delves into the ways in which cultural and societal influences shape our understanding
of visual images, challenging traditional notions of art and aesthetics.
-​ He talks about the roles of how women and men are put out in society and how they are
supposed to act
-​ Societal perceptions of gender
Intersectionality
A concept that recognizes and explores the ways in which various social categories such as
race,gender, class, sexuality overlap. The idea of intersectionality challenges traditional;
approaches that often treat social categories as separate and independent.
Example: In the article intersectionality of race and gender by Marika Morris explains this
interconnectedness. For instance, a black woman may face different challenges compared to a
white woman or black man.
-​ The intersectionality of race and sex by marika morris
-​ racialized men earn less than white women.
-​ Morris explains how being a woman is already challenging but with the combination of
race, it's even more complex.
-​ Black women vs white women, white make more
-​ White women vs black man, white women makes more
Example from news analysis article “The Indian woman gets talked over a lot more because
she’s not yelling. A White woman doesn’t have to yell” (Subramaniam, 2023).

Heterosexism
Heterosexism is a belief or attitude that assumes heterosexuality (attraction and relationships
between people of opposite genders) is the only valid or "normal" sexual orientation. It involves
discrimination against non-heterosexual individuals, such as those who identify as lesbian, gay,
bisexual, or queer. including social norms, policies, or behaviors that favor heterosexual
relationships while marginalizing or stigmatizing non-heterosexual identities. It's essentially a
bias that supports and prioritizes heterosexual orientations over others
Example: “Becoming 100% straight” by michael messner
-​ Portrays a good example of assuming you are 100% straight because it is the ‘normal’
sexuality.
-​ The norm of not being straight is ‘not’ normal.
-​ He was insecure to come out fearing how people will see him
-​ about the stereotypes of being straight
-​ Also a good example about the norm of being a “real man” for example, competing in
athletics with males and being in relationships with girls
Colonial Feminism
Colonial feminism is a way of looking at how the ideas and actions of feminism (the belief in
gender equality) relate to the historical and social impacts of colonialism.basically, oppression of
women. It explores how the experiences of women are influenced by both their gender and the
effects of colonization, recognizing the complexities and intersections of these factors.
Colonial feminism recognizes that women in colonized regions often face unique
challenges and forms of oppression due to both their gender and the effects of colonial
rule. It involves understanding and addressing the specific ways in which imperialism
and gender oppression intersect in the experiences of women in colonized societies.
 -​ Critique of western feminism
-​ Intersectionality of colonial effects and gender, sex, class etc.
EXAMPLE: “colonization and residential schools”
-​ Intersectionality of gender (being a woman) and Indian through the example of forcing
them to whiten their skin and implying that this is ideal and the ‘norm’
-​ Learned disrespect for women
-​ Internalization of racism, shame of being indigenous
-​ Violence, abuse,over control and regimentation
-​ Girls were made to feel inferior and worthless
-​ Needles inserted into tongues for speaking their language
-​ Leather strap used to hit on various areas of body
-​ Beating with fists
-​ Burning and scalding hands
-​ Inflicting beatings until unconscious
-​ Starvation
-​ Shaming
-​ Public beatings of naked children
-​ Public strip search
-​ Genital search
-​ Sexual abuse ·​
-​ Locking in closets, cages, and basements

WEEK 3
BIOLOGICAL DETERMINISM
This is a belief that biological factors, such as genetics or physiology, primarily determine
individual and group characteristics, behaviors, and capabilities. In simple terms, it suggests that
our biological makeup is the main factor influencing who we are, how we behave, and what
we're capable of, often to the exclusion of other influences like social or environmental factors.
Example: Women's brains by stephen gould
-​ Women have Smaller brains than men, cannot equal them in intelligence
-​ Based on physical and mental inferiority
-​ Women's brains are closer 9j size to gorillas rather than male developed brains
-​ Psychologists say that women are the most inferior forms of human evolution and they
are closer to children and savages than to an adult man
-​ Black men have a brain scarcely heavier than a white woman

Better example: HOW THE PRACTICE OF SEX TESTING TARGETS FEMALE OLYMPIC
ATHLETES
 -​ ALL 4 athletes had XY chromosomes instead of XX (female) due to a genetic quirk their
bodies do not produce an enzyme that converts testosterone into a secondary hormone
involved in the development of male characteristics.
-​ Their testosterone levels were too high to compete in women's athletics fairly
-​ Why is natural genetic variation policed in women but celebrated in men?
-​ She cannot compete even though she is a female because her genetic makeup says
otherwise

Constructionism
Constructionism, in simple terms, is the idea that many aspects of our reality, including ideas,
concepts, and categories, are not inherent or naturally occurring but are socially created or
constructed. It suggests that our understanding of the world is shaped by human interpretations,
beliefs, and societal agreements rather than being predetermined by nature. For example, gender
roles and social norms are often seen as constructed because they vary across cultures and
historical periods, rather than being universally fixed. Constructionism challenges the idea that
certain things are 'natural' or 'inevitable,' highlighting the role of human perspectives and social
processes in shaping our understanding of the world.
Example: “Do muslim women really need saving” by Lia is a perfect example of
constructionism. The stereotype of muslim women being oppressed is false from what the
religion says. This is a social norm making assumptions about the lives of muslim women.
-​ The west has a wrong implication of the lives of muslim women
-​ The west portrays us to be oppressed and in need of liberation
-​ Abu argues that people should not impose western values into other cultures and societies
-​ Muslim woman are actually very superior and powerful
-​ In egypt, in her workplace, women have the capability to make decisions
-​ Muslim women do not see themselves as oppressed, infact lucky than any other religion
-​ However, muslim countries do need feminist movements to an extent such as schooling
etc.
-​ She believes that feminists need to understand the lives and choices of muslim women
Naturalizing Discourse (assuming gender norms are natural when theyre socially
constructed)
"naturalizing discourse" refers to language, ideas, or narratives that portray certain social
behaviors, roles, or expectations (norms) as if they are naturally or biologically determined,
rather than being socially constructed. It involves presenting cultural or societal norms as if they
are inherent and universal, downplaying the influence of social and historical factors.
Example: ways of seeing reading
-​ A naturalizing discourse might suggest that women are naturally more nurturing or men
are naturally more assertive, reinforcing traditional gender roles. In reality, these
behaviors are often socially shaped, and the concept of naturalizing discourse aims to
 highlight how language and ideas can contribute to the perception that certain gender
norms are 'natural' rather than socially constructed.
-​ In the reading he goes through the typical stereotypes of women and men
-​

Discourse of “separate spheres”

I will email TA about this, idk if CHATGPT is right.

WEEK 4
Gendering
"Gendering" refers to the social process by which behaviors, roles, attributes, and expectations
are associated with and attributed to individuals based on their perceived or assigned gender. It
involves the cultural and societal construction of what it means to be masculine or feminine and
the ways in which these gender identities are shaped, reinforced, and communicated. It reflects
cultural norms and expectations related to masculinity and femininity. Also ideas about gender
that are socially constructed rather than biologically determined.
Example: “Gender in Personal Life” by Raewyn Connell
-​ Connell mentions how there is a straightforward account of how people acquired gender,
for instance, identified as either male or female and associated with colors blue and pink.
-​ Boys are more rough and tough, play with toy guns, footballs and computer games
-​ Girls are more passive, compliant and prettier, play with dolls, makeup kits
-​ Girls are told to take care of their appearance and be polite

Androcentrism
androcentrism is the idea that the male perspective or point of view is considered more important
or normal than the female perspective. It means seeing things from a mostly male-centered view
and sometimes ignoring or downplaying the experiences and viewpoints of women. In simpler
words:
-​ Male centered perspective
-​ Marginalization of women
-​ Gender bias
-​ Critique in feminist theory
Example: the myth of shared womanhood reading can be a good example of the way shared
womanhood is portrayed from a male’s perspective which is also the universal understanding of
womanhood.
Gender polarization
Gender polarization refers to the process or tendency in society to emphasize and exaggerate the
differences between men and women, often reinforcing traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
This polarization can manifest in various aspects of social life, including cultural norms,
expectations, behaviors, and institutional structures.
-​ Rigid gender roles
-​ Only “two’ genders
-​ Socialization - an idea of what it is to be a girl or boy from a very young age
-​ gender polarization begins when natural sex differences are exaggerated in culture; for
example, women have less hair than men, and men have more muscles than women
-​ Refers to the reinforcement of traditional and stereotypical gender roles emphasizing
distinct differences between what is considered masculine and feminine. This concept
perpetuates societal expectations that individuals conform to rigid gender norms and roles
Examples: “Troubling Genders, Subverting Identities” by Vassu Reddy and judith butler
-​ Occupational roles; women often are nurses and teachers and men work in offices
-​ Clothing
-​ Appearance
-​ Behavioral expectations (women are nurturing, men are tough”)
-​ Parenting roles
-​ Sports
-​ or gender in personal life
-​ Explains how the way a women grows is important (breast size) while a boy’s voice is
very important

“Doing Gender”
-​ West and zimmerman started to think of gender not only as a role (a role that suggests
something fixed that cannot be changed) rather as something we do (doing gender)
-​ Gender is an ongoing process that evolves as a result of interacting with others
-​ Gender is interactional and institutional
-​ is the idea that gender, rather than being an innate quality of individuals, is a social
construct that actively surfaces in everyday human interaction.
-​ Example: people may perform femininity or masculinity through dress or mannerisms
Example: gender in personal life
-​ We carry on the norms of being a ‘girl’
-​ For example you could be a man and wear makeup considering “doing female” LOL
-​ Sex roles
Hegemonic masculinity
Is the idea in a culture about what it means to be a "real man," usually focusing on traits like
strength and dominance. It represents a societal norm or set of norms that prescribe how men
should behave in order to be considered socially acceptable and respected. It does not mean that
all men conform to these ideals, but rather that these ideals set the standard against which
masculinity is often measured and valued in a particular social context.
-​ Becoming 100% straight
-​ He felt embarrassed to admit he was gay because it'll take away from being a real
man and he plays basketball
-​ The norm of being gay and being girly restricted him from coming out

Example: “More Than a Poster Campaign: Redefining Colonial Violence” by Sarah Hunt
-​ Indigenous women facing violence and the strength of their residence
-​ Physical, mental and emotional abuse continue to persist

Heteronormativity
Heteronormativity is the concept that heterosexuality is the preferred or normal mode of sexual
orientation. It assumes the gender binary and that sexual and marital relations are most fitting
between people of opposite sex.
Example: “Becoming 100% straight”
-​ Author explains that he always assumed and disregarded the fact that he was interested in
another male since he always assumed he was 100% straight
-​ Also a good example about the norm of being a “real man” for example, competing in
athletics with males and being in relationships with girls
-​ The hetero sexual questionnaire pg 233 also
-​ Asks questions that make you think that being straight is not normal

Performativity
-​ posits that gender is made up of the acts that mark a person as “man” or “woman” (dress,
mannerisms, ect) and it is through the repetition of those gendered acts (gender norms)
that the illusion of a stable gender identity is created.
EXAMPLE: Troubling genders: an interview with judith butler
-​ Explains her theory of performativity
-​ She states identities are not made in a single moment in time
-​ We may ask what is distinctive about being human, it will probably turn out that human
being is always about becoming
-​ Women have been historically wrought and politically mobilized
-​ There are norms in which we are born into that decide what subject we can be however
when performing them we make use of local options
-​ Social terms decide our beings but not for once and for all
WEEK 5
Bodily discourses
Bodily Discourses refers to the communication of meaning through the body, encompassing
gestures, movements, and appearance, and is often analyzed in academic contexts to understand
how societal norms and power structures influence and are reflected in the body.
-​ An example of bodily discourse is the way individuals use body language to express
emotions or convey social status. For instance, posture, facial expressions, and gestures
can communicate confidence, submission, happiness,
EXAMPLE: “Postfeminist Media Culture: Elements of a Sensibility” by Rosalind Gill
-​ Explains how postfeminism is understood best under sensibility
-​ Instead of femininity being about caring and nurturing, today having a ‘sexy body’ is the
norm
-​ Women's bodies are evaluated, scrutinized and dissected by women and men
-​ For portraying success, a slim body, controlled and toned is essential

Self-surveillance
Self-surveillance is when people watch and control their own actions, appearance, or behavior,
often influenced by what society considers normal or acceptable. It's like keeping an eye on
yourself to fit in or meet certain expectations.
-​ Ways of seeing
-​ Often women perform the societal norms of appearance in a way to get accepted in
society.
Commodification of the body
The commodification of the body means treating the human body as something to buy or sell,
especially in contexts like beauty products, fashion, or certain aspects of the entertainment
industry, turning aspects of the body into products for profit.
-​ Examples include beauty and fashion industries, where body image is often marketed and
sold through products such as cosmetics, clothing
EXAMPLE: Carla Rice, “Through the Mirror of Beauty Culture”
-​ Women are identified socially with their bodies
-​ Positioned as objects in male gaze
-​ ‘Beauty is a duty’ (during ww2)
-​ Fit bodies increase women productivity
-​ Lovely faces enhance troop morale
-​ Weight norms
-​ Skin norms (high social status women worked indoors and were pale and dark
skinned women worked outdoors)
Sexualization
Sexualization refers to the process by which a person or thing is treated in a sexual manner or is
made to become sexually aware or active. It involves emphasizing and focusing on the sexual
aspects or characteristics of an individual or object, often to an excessive or inappropriate degree.
-​ involves focusing on the sexual aspects of a person to an inappropriate degree, often
leading to objectification. It is prevalent in media and popular culture, impacting
individuals' self-esteem and contributing to unrealistic standards.
EXAMPLES: John Berger “Ways of Seeing”
-​ Females are often sexualized in every way

Objectification
Objectification means treating someone as if they are an object or focusing on their appearance
rather than recognizing them as a complete person with thoughts, feelings, and individuality.
-​ For example how women is many areas around the world face gender inequality and
often due to male dominance, they get treated with no value and respect as all human
beings should
-​ Advertisements that focus excessively on a person's physical appearance, often
emphasizing specific body parts, can contribute to objectification. This is common in
advertisements for beauty products, fashion, and certain industries that emphasize
idealized standards of beauty.
EXAMPLE: “through the mirror of beauty culture”
-​ Positioned as objects in male gaze

The male gaze

The male gaze is described in which the way media often depict the world and women from a
heterosexual male perspective.It emphasizes how women are often presented as objects of desire,
framed and contextualized for the presumed male viewer.
EXAMPLE: John Berger, “Ways of Seeing”
-​ describe the objectifying process at work when female bodies are displayed and looked
upon
-​ how the media shapes societal perceptions of gender and the impact it has on reinforcing
traditional gender roles.
-​ Berger critiques traditional paintings for often presenting women as objects of desire,
catering to the presumed male viewer. This aligns with the male gaze theory, which
argues that women are often depicted in ways that serve male fantasies
-​ Berger emphasizes how cultural conventions influence our perception of art.
-​ how art and visual media can perpetuate gendered power dynamics and influence societal
perceptions of women.
WEEK 6
Colonialism
The practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with
settlers, and exploiting it economically.
Simple words: the act of taking control of an area or a country that is not your own, especially
using force, and sending people from your own country to live there.
Example: Colonization and the Indian Act reading
-​ British setting up colonies in north america
-​ British taking indigenous land
-​ attempted to generalize a vast and varied population of people and assimilate
them into non-Indigenous society.
-​ Forbidden indigenous people from expressing their culture, identity and
governance.
-​ Forcing them into residential schools in which they were forced to abandon their
language, ways of living, cultural beliefs
-​ Taught to speak in english and french only, new habits and foreign religions
Imperialism
Imperialism is when one country exercises power over another through various methods
of control. It describes an economic, political, and social system in which one country
subjugates others, and brings them under its control.
where a powerful nation extends its influence over other nations or regions, often
through political or economic dominance. (economic influence of European powers in
Africa during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)
Example
-​ the British expansion into India. By building colonies there, the British gained access to
Indian spices and textiles for their own economic growth.
-​ Reading example: colonization and residential schools
-​ The schools took control over the indians.
-​ Powerlessness
-​ Loss of language and identities
-​ Trauma and grief

Difference between colonialism and imperialism

-​ Colonialism is where one country physically exerts complete control over another
country
-​ Imperialism is formal or informal economic and political domination of one
country over the other.
-​ In a nutshell, colonialism can be thought of as the practice of domination and
imperialism as an idea behind the practice
Policing of sexuality = basically judging, discriminating and expecting people to act a
certain way in terms of sexual behavior/orientation who don’t align with the perceived
norms.
Policing of sexuality" refers to societal norms, institutions, or individuals attempting to regulate
or control people's sexual behavior, desires, or identities. This can involve judgment,
discrimination, or the imposition of specific expectations on how individuals should express their
sexuality.

Example: Discrimination against same-sex couples or individuals in various societies reflects a

form of policing of sexuality, where societal norms may unfairly stigmatized or marginalize
those whose sexual orientation doesn't align with perceived norms

Example (reading): becoming 100% straight

-​ Norms about same sex couples not being normal

Dehumanizing discourses (sexism) (discourses= language, acts, discussions)

refer to language, narratives, or societal discussions that strip individuals or groups of
their humanity, dignity, or agency based on their gender. These discourses cause gender
based violence, harmful stereotypes, discrimination, and inequality. Dehumanizing
language and narratives can lead to the objectification and marginalization of
individuals, reducing them to stereotypes or denying them their full humanity.
-​ Objectification
-​ Stereotypes
-​ Double standards
Example: Marika morris, women's experience of racism
-​ Objectification of women in workplaces
-​ Stereotypes of races

Racialized femininity & masculinity

●​ Definition: Racialized femininity recognizes that the expectations, stereotypes,
and experiences of femininity are influenced by race. It acknowledges that the
ideals of what it means to be a woman are often shaped by cultural, racial, and
ethnic factors.
●​ Examples: Stereotypes of Asian women as submissive or Latina women as exotic
are examples of racialized femininity. These stereotypes reflect the intersection
of race and gender in shaping societal expectations

●​ Definition: Racialized masculinity recognizes that the expectations, stereotypes,

and experiences of masculinity are influenced by race. It acknowledges that the
 ideals of what it means to be a man are often shaped by cultural, racial, and
ethnic factors.
●​ Examples: Stereotypes of Black men as hyper masculine or Arab men as
threatening are examples of racialized masculinity. These stereotypes reflect the
intersection of race and gender in shaping societal expectations
●​ Reading: how race and gender interact, marika morris
○​ Explains the various types of norms
○​ Latina women are seen as exortic whereas black women are all seen to
look the same
●​

Resistance
"resistance" refers to the act of challenging, opposing, or pushing back against social
norms, expectations, or systems of power that contribute to gender-based oppression
and inequality. Resistance can take various forms, including individual or collective
actions, advocacy, activism, and the creation of alternative narratives that challenge
dominant discourses
-​ “Postfeminist Media Culture: Elements of a Sensibility”
-​ How women cope with objectification and unequality

Controlling images
Controlling images, in the context of women and gender studies, refer to stereotypical
and often degrading representations of certain groups of people, particularly women,
that are used to maintain social hierarchies and reinforce power dynamics. These
images are pervasive in media, popular culture, and everyday discourse, shaping
perceptions and contributing to the marginalization and oppression of specific identities
-​ Reading: how race and gender interact, marika morris
-​ Explains the various types of norms
-​ Latina women are seen as exortic whereas black women are all seen to
look the same

Stereotyping
Stereotyping refers to the process of assigning certain traits, characteristics, behaviors,
or attributes to individuals based on their membership in a particular social or
demographic group. Stereotypes are often oversimplified and generalized assumptions
about people, and they can be based on factors such as gender, race, ethnicity,
nationality, religion, or other social categories.
Reading examples for stereotyping:
-​ Do muslim women need saving?
-​ How race and gender interact
-​ Ways of seeing
-​ Gender in personal life
-​ Becoming 100% straight

Orientalism
Orientalism is a term that originated in the field of cultural studies and refers to a set of
stereotypes, cultural biases, and distorted representations of the Eastern world,
particularly Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Key characterics include
-​ Stereotyping
-​ Eurocentrism (It reflects a Eurocentric worldview where Western cultures are
considered superior, and Eastern cultures are viewed as "other" and often
inferior)
-​ Colonial influence
-​ Exoticism
Example: do muslim women really need saving
-​ Assuming that all muslim are middle eastern and making stereotypes based on
that like middle eastern men are terrorists
-​ Uma Narayan, “Undoing the ‘Package Picture’ of Cultures”,

WEEK 7
Biopower
Biopower involves examining how power operates at the level of individuals' bodies,
their reproductive capacities, and their identities, and how this power is exercised
through social, political, and institutional mechanisms.
-​ a theory that describes how political power works by investing itself in the
biological life of individuals and populations.
-​ Example: laws on sterilization of disabled German individuals under Nazi rule
-​ First nation and indigenous history readings
-​ “Coercive sterilization of aboriginal women in canada” by karen stote
Eugenics
-​ Eugenics in women and gender studies refers to historical movements aiming to
improve the human population's genetic traits through selective breeding. It often
involved discriminatory practices targeting women, such as forced sterilizations,
with a focus on controlling reproduction based on societal ideas of desirability.
 While explicit eugenics programs are discredited, the history serves as a
cautionary tale about the dangers of using power to regulate reproductive
choices based on biased beliefs
-​ “Women's health movement” by madeline boscoe pg454
-​ ​ ​ Heath care system
-​ Development and analysis of social determine ants of health
-​ Commitment to increase participation of women in work

Medicalization = treating non medical aspects of life in medical terms and seeking medicine
Medicalization refers to the process by which human conditions, behaviors, or aspects
of life come to be defined and treated as medical issues or problems. In other words, it
involves framing non-medical aspects of life in medical terms and seeking medical
solutions for them
Examples
-​ Reclassification of certain aspects of aging, childbirth,
-​ Or behaviors like shyness as medical issues
-​ Reading: women's health movement in canada
-​ Social determinants of health
-​ Misguided the determinants of why some women are going through
something
Resilience
resilience refers to the capacity of individuals and communities to endure, adapt, and
overcome adversity and challenges related to gender-based discrimination, oppression,
and inequality. Resilience is often discussed in the context of understanding how
women, particularly those from marginalized groups, navigate and resist various forms
of gender-based oppression.
-​ Coping strategies
-​ Intersectionality
-​ Strength
-​ Resistance to oppression
Example:
-​ women , disability and the right to health pg 465 by pinto.
-​ Anishinaabe’s resilience ph 336
-​ She shared her resilience while she was in the st jose[h residential school
as a child
-​ Her coping mechanisms were keeping a bag of jelly beans and eating
them whenever here true friends or her got sick or lonely
-​ Jelly beans were her comfort food, she would save up the $2 her father
would give her in september
 -​ They would tell themselves that they'll be free once they are 16

Reproductive justice
3 core principle
-​ Right to have kids
-​ Women have the right to decide when and how to have children, including family
planning, contraception and fertility treatments.
-​ Right to not have kids
-​ Right to abstain from or terminate pregnancies without facing discrimination or
barriers
-​ Right to parent in safe and supportive environments.
Example:
-​ A primer on reproductive justice and social change pg 525.
-​ Key issues is isolation of abortion
WEEK 8
Feminization of poverty
refers to the disproportionate and heightened prevalence of poverty among women
compared to men, both globally and within various societies. This concept highlights
the gendered aspects of poverty, acknowledging that women are more likely to
experience economic disadvantage and lack of resources.
Key factors:
-​ Economic inequality (unpaid work module, wage gap)
-​ Unequal access to education
-​ Discrimination in the workplace
-​ Gendered care responsibilities
-​ Single mothers- barely balance work and caregiving at the same time
-​ Violence and discrimination
Example
-​ Unpaid work module pg 96
-​ Caregiving
-​ Volunteering
-​ Unpaid work in paid places (overtime)
-​ Women's labor is never cheap pg577

Neoliberalism
Neoliberalism is an economic and political philosophy that emerged in the mid-20th
century, emphasizing the importance of limited government intervention in the
economy, free-market capitalism, and individual entrepreneurship. It represents a shift
away from the Keynesian economic policies that dominated the post-World War II era.
Key words
-​ Free markets
-​ Deregulation
-​ Privatization
-​ Individualism
Example: “What is Neo-liberal Globalization?”, p. 563–564.
-​ PROMOTES FREE FLOW OF BOTH TRADED GOODS AND CAPITAL
-​ Globalization refers to any system of transcontinental travel and trade
Hegemonic masculinity
refers to a culturally idealized and dominant form of masculinity that sets the standard
for acceptable male behavior within a given society or culture. This concept, developed
within gender studies and sociology, was introduced by R.W. Connell to describe the
ways in which certain characteristics and behaviors are idealized and elevated above
others to establish a socially and culturally dominant form of masculinity.
Key words
-​ Social norms and expectations of ‘male’ behavior
-​ Masculinity associated with power and control
-​ Heteronormativity: Hegemonic masculinity is closely tied to heteronormative
ideals, reinforcing the notion that "real" men are heterosexual and conform to
traditional gender roles. This can contribute to the marginalization of LGBTQ+
identities.
-​ Rejection of femininity
Example= becoming 100% straight

Emphasized femininity
refers to a socially constructed set of norms, behaviors, and traits that are traditionally
associated with an idealized and stereotypical form of femininity within a given culture
or society. This concept was introduced by sociologist R.W. Connell in conjunction with
the concept of hegemonic masculinity, as part of an analysis of gender roles and
expectations
-​ Complementary to hegemonic masculinity
-​ Heteronormativity: Like hegemonic masculinity, emphasized femininity is closely
tied to heteronormative ideals. It reinforces the idea that "proper" or "ideal"
women are heterosexual and conform to traditional gender roles within
heterosexual relationships
-​ Appearance and beauty standards

Example: post feminist theory

Unpaid worK
unpaid work refers to labor that is not remunerated or compensated with wages or
salaries. This type of work often encompasses a range of activities and responsibilities
that are essential for the functioning of households, communities, and societies. Some
examples include:
-​ Domestic work
-​ Caregiving
-​ Volunteer work
-​ Emotional labor
Example:
-​ Unpaid work pg 104-105

Invisible work
refers to the labor and contributions that individuals, often women, make to society or
households that go unnoticed, undervalued, or unaccounted for. This concept highlights
the often overlooked aspects of work that are not easily quantifiable or visible in
traditional economic and social structures.
Unpaid work modules
-​ A Lot of the work women do people do not realize
Key aspects
-​ Emotional labor
-​ managerial/organizational tasks
-​ Caretaking and household management
-​ Volunteer work
-​ Unpaid domestic labor (cooking, household chores, cleaning)
Neoliberal globalization
refers to the intersection of neoliberal economic policies and globalization processes
and how they impact women's lives, opportunities, and experiences. Neoliberalism is an
economic and political philosophy emphasizing free-market capitalism, limited
government intervention, and individual entrepreneurship. Globalization involves the
increasing interconnectedness of economies, societies, and cultures on a global
scale.Key words

-​ Economic restructuring
-​ Labor market changes
-​ Feminization of labor
-​ Global supply chains
-​ Migration and gendered impacts
-​ Resistance and activism
Example: “what is neo liberal globalization?”
-​ Basically the definition

WEEK 9
The “Package Picture of Cultures” (Narayan)
“Assumes that the assignment of individuals to specific cultures is an obvious and
uncontroversial matters”
-​ explores and critiques essentialist views of cultures, challenging the notion that cultures
are neatly defined entities with fixed boundaries and characteristics.
-​ Narayan argues against gender and cultural essentialism, emphasizing the dynamic and
complex nature of cultural classifications.
EXAMPLES: “Undoing the ‘Package Pictures’ of Cultures” Uma Narayan
-​ encourages a more nuanced understanding of cultural practices, recognizing diversity and
change over time.
-​ The key message is to avoid oversimplified views, especially in feminism, and to
approach cultural issues with a critical and informed perspective.
Cultural essentialism
Cultural essentialism is the belief that a particular culture has fixed and unchanging
characteristics, overlooking diversity and changes within that culture. It simplifies complex
cultures into stereotypes, which can lead to biased or overly simplistic views.

EXAMPLES: “Undoing the ‘Package Pictures’ of Cultures” Uma Narayan

-​ Narayan highlights the importance of acknowledging differences among women to avoid
hegemonic gender-essentialist analyses.
-​ She emphasizes the need to consider national and cultural differences among women as
feminist agendas become global.
-​ she argues that such analyses may replicate colonialist notions by categorizing cultures as
"Western" or "non-Western" and making problematic generalizations about groups of
women

Border imperialism
highlights the interconnectedness of border enforcement, imperialism, and systems of power. It
underscores how border controls and immigration policies can be used to advance political and
economic interests, often resulting in the oppression and exploitation of marginalized
communities. This term is commonly employed in discussions about the impact of borders on
issues such as migration, race, and social justice, emphasizing the ways in which border regimes
can reinforce and perpetuate broader structures of inequality.
EXAMPLE: “Undoing Border Imperialism” Harsha Walia and Jo-Anne Lee
-​ Identifies as neoliberal oppression
-​ Borders are a form of governmentality, violence,
-​ Impacts black people, and women
-​

Cultural transformation
"Cultural transformation" refers to a significant and fundamental change in the beliefs, values,
norms, practices, and overall way of life within a society or a specific cultural group. This
process involves a profound shift in the underlying cultural elements that shape people's
behaviors, perspectives, and interactions.
-​ technological advancements
-​ social movements, globalization
-​ economic shifts, political changes
-​ evolving societal attitudes.
-​ It often implies a departure from established traditions and the adoption of new ways of
thinking and behaving within a cultural context.
EXAMPLE:
Borderland
"Borderland" is a place at the edge or boundary between two different areas, often with a mix of
influences or identities. It can also refer to a state of transition or ambiguity.
-​ describe a place where different ideas, identities, or influences converge.
-​ US mexico border
-​ Has traditions of both cultures, american and mexican

EXAMPLES: Snapshots & Soundwaves 40, “No One is Illegal”, p. 599–600.

-​ A migrant justice movement rooted in anti colonial anti capitalist and ecological justice
and indigenous self determination and anti oppression
-​ Strive world wide resistance and struggles for freedom to stay, move and return
-​ Status for all
-​ Access without fear
-​ Indigenous sovereignty
-​
Non-homogeneous cultures
refers to cultural environments or societies that are not uniform or consistent in their
characteristics, practices, beliefs, or values. Instead, they exhibit diversity, variations, or
differences among their members or subgroups. This term acknowledges the presence of various
perspectives, traditions, and expressions within a culture, emphasizing that cultural identities are
complex and can encompass a range of experiences and viewpoints.
 -​ "Non-homogeneous culture" simply means a culture that is not uniform or identical
throughout. It acknowledges diversity within a culture, indicating that there are
variations, differences, or a mix of practices, beliefs, and values among its members or
subgroups.
EXAMPLES: United States
-​ Variation of cultures, native american, hispanic, african american, asian etc

Narratives of rescue.
A "narrative of rescue" refers to a storytelling framework that emphasizes the act of saving or
liberating individuals or groups from a perceived threat or danger. This narrative often centers
around heroic figures or entities who intervene to provide aid or protection. In various contexts,
narratives of rescue can be found in literature, history, and media, and they can be used to convey
themes of heroism, altruism, or moral duty
EXAMPLES: Sharlayn Jordan and Christine Morrissey, “Seeking Refuge from Homophobic and
Transphobic Persecution”
-​ Shares her story about healing from mistreatment from homo/trans phobic stereotypes,
judgment violence and inequality
WEEK 10
Gender-based violence
refers to harmful actions directed at an individual or group based on their gender. It
encompasses a range of behaviors and actions that perpetuate power imbalances and
discrimination, primarily targeting individuals based on their gender identity or perceived
adherence to gender norms. Gender-based violence is a widespread and systemic issue
that occurs in various forms and settings, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds,
and socioeconomic statuses. Some examples of GBV:
-​ Physical violence
-​ Sexual violence
-​ emotional/psychological abuse
-​ Sexual harassment
-​ Child marriage
-​ Human trafficking
-​ Female genital mutilation (This involves the partial or total removal of external
female genitalia for non-medical reasons)
Example: “digital defense” or “ultimate rape victim”
-​ She got raped for being a women
-​ Suffers from pain and depression
-​ Stereootypes of rape
-​ Men close to you do not

Systemic violence
Systemic violence refers to a form of violence that is deeply embedded within the
structures, policies, and institutions of a society, perpetuating harm on a widespread
and systematic scale. Varies in different forms, inequality, discrimination or oppression.
Unlike interpersonal violence, which involves individual acts of harm between people,
systemic violence is rooted in broader social, economic, and political systems. It often
results in the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges,
disproportionately affecting certain groups or communities. Key features are

-​ Structural inequality (gender wage gap)\

-​ Discrimination and oppression (social norms)
-​ Reproduction of injustice
-​ Interconnected systems → For example, discriminatory housing policies may
intersect with educational inequalities and contribute to a cycle of poverty and
disadvantage
-​ Implicit biases

Reading: marika morris how race and sex interact

-​ Hate crimes section

Gendercide (or femicide)

refers to the systematic and deliberate killing of individuals based on their gender,
typically targeting one gender, most often females. It is a form of gender-based violence
that manifests in various ways, including sex-selective abortion, female infanticide, and
the neglect or abandonment of female children leading to higher mortality rates.
-​ Female infanticide (wanting males instead of females so killing new born girls)
-​ Sex selective abortion
-​ Cultural and economic factors
-​ Impacts on population
-​ severe violation of human rights and contributes to gender-based discrimination
and inequality. It reflects and reinforces deeply embedded patriarchal norms and
practices that devalue the lives of women and girls
Example: murders of aboriginal women (pg 554)
-​ Suffer 3.5 times higher than other women in sexual assault
-​ 1181 murders of aboriginal women between 1980-2012
-​
Colonial violence
refers to the various forms of physical, structural, and cultural violence perpetrated by
colonial powers during the period of European colonialism, which spanned from the late
15th century to the mid-20th century. This violence was enacted in the process of
colonization, where European powers established and maintained control over
territories and peoples in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania.
-​ Military conquest
-​ Forced labor and exploitation
-​ Cultural suppression (erasure of indigenous cultures)
-​ Land dispossession (indigenous land taken away from them)
-​ Genocidal practices (mass killings, forced relocations, intentional spread of
diseases)
-​ Racial hierarchies
-​ Gendered violence (rape, sexual exploitation)
Example: pg 554 murder of indigenous women

Discourse of rape
refers to the ways in which society talks about and constructs narratives around the
issue of rape. Discourse encompasses not only explicit conversations but also the
broader cultural, social, and institutional narratives that shape our understanding of rape
and sexual violence. Key aspects:
-​ Cultural beliefs and attitudes (normalizing rape amongst females who dress in
revealing clothing)
-​ Media representations (reinforces harsh stereotypes)
-​ Intersectionality
-​ Activism
-​ Legal and institutional frameworks
Example: ultimate rape victim reading
Discourse of masculinity
The discourse of masculinity refers to the socially constructed narratives, beliefs, and
cultural expectations surrounding the concept of masculinity within a given society. It
encompasses the ways in which society defines, reinforces, and communicates
expectations about what it means to be a "real" or "ideal" man. This discourse
influences behaviors, attitudes, and norms related to gender roles, impacting how
individuals perceive and perform masculinity in different contexts.
Example
-​ Becoming 100% straight reading

Hegemonic power
Hegemonic power refers to the dominance and influence exercised by a particular

group or state over others, shaping and maintaining social, economic, and political
systems. This concept, rooted in political and social theory, highlights the ability of a

dominant group to establish and sustain its authority, often through the control of

institutions, cultural norms, and economic resources.

Reading example=

PART B: NEWS ANALYSIS LAYOUT

This letter from a group of Indian feminists highlights the complex dynamics between

Western and Indian feminisms, as analyzed through Chandra Mohanty's theory.

Firstly, the letter acknowledges the involvement of Western feminists, particularly within

the Harvard community, in addressing issues of gender equality in India. It juxtaposes this
contemporary involvement with historical references, such as Katherine Mayo's concern

during the colonial era, suggesting a continuity of Western interest in the well-being of

Indian women.

The letter also underscores a sense of gratitude towards Western feminists for their

support and guidance, portraying a narrative of solidarity and sisterhood across

international borders. This reflects Mohanty's assertion of the importance of global

feminist alliances and the interconnectedness of feminist struggles worldwide.

However, the letter also hints at a degree of skepticism or critique towards Western

intervention. It implies that Western feminists may not fully understand the nuances of

Indian contexts and challenges, as evidenced by the need for Indian feminists to provide

detailed explanations of the local situation, such as the inadequacies of the Indian State's

response to sexual assault.

Overall, the letter illustrates Mohanty's argument regarding the complexities of Western

feminist involvement in non-Western contexts. While it acknowledges the potential for

solidarity and support, it also emphasizes the importance of critically examining power

dynamics and ensuring that interventions are informed by local perspectives and priorities.

In the case of Caster Semenya, the idea of the naturalness of sex and sexuality is
challenged by feminist, queer, and trans theories. Semenya, an accomplished athlete,
has faced scrutiny and interrogation regarding her sex due to her exceptional athletic
abilities and physical characteristics. This interrogation reflects societal norms that
perceive certain formations of sex, gender, and sexuality as "natural," such as
heterosexuality and binary male/female identities.

Feminist theories, drawing from scholars like Judith Butler and Anne Fausto-Sterling,
challenge the assumption of a fixed and binary understanding of sex and gender.
Butler argues that sex and gender are socially constructed rather than biologically
determined, emphasizing the performative nature of gender. Fausto-Sterling's work
highlights the biological diversity of sex characteristics beyond the male/female
binary, suggesting that sex is more complex and varied than traditionally thought.

Queer theories further complicate notions of naturalness by emphasizing the fluidity

and variability of sexual identities and desires. Scholars like Gay Rubin critique the
privileging of certain sexual norms over others, advocating for the acceptance of
diverse expressions of sexuality.

In the case of Semenya, her status as a woman is questioned based on her physical
attributes and athletic prowess, highlighting the intersection of race, sex, and gender.
The International Association of Athletics faces challenges in defining "biological sex"
and determining eligibility criteria for female athletes, especially those who do not
conform to traditional expectations.

Ultimately, Semenya's case underscores the limitations of essentialist views of sex and
sexuality and the importance of considering the complexities and diversity of human
experiences. Feminist, queer, and trans theories offer alternative frameworks that
recognize and affirm the fluidity and diversity of sex and gender identities, challenging
societal norms and advocating for inclusivity and acceptance.