Outlined notes 2011

Outlined Notes 2011 Chapter 1 Sex — designated based on biology, naturally born body parts Biological, based on chromosomes and anatomy, influenced in utero by progesterone levels Gender — socially constructed and expressed, it is not stable or innate Can change based on: self, culture, in relation to others gender Transgender — have the physical characteristics of one sex buy identify internally strongly as the other sex Intersexed — people who have biological qualities of both sexes — hermaphrodites — based on pre and post birth hormonal influences, biology influences how we develop but does not determine how we behave or our personality or how we treat differences Transsexual — a person who had a surgery and/or hormonal treatments to make the body match more closely to the sex they identify with Gender development — defined by society and expressed by individuals as they interact with other in the media and their society — learned and dynamic, it’s a social and symbolic construct that varies across cultures, over time within a given culture, over the course of an individual’s life span, and in relation to the other gender. Chromosomes — XX: Female XY: Male Patriarchy — ideology, structures, and practices created by men Androgyny — these individuals embody qualities that we consider both feminine and masculine Chapter 2 Biological theories of gender — maintain that biological characteristics of the sexes are the basis of gender differences Survival of the fittest — sociobiology Three primary influences Chromosomes — several genes that control intelligence and social skills are located only in the X chromosomes Hormones — sex hormones affect development of the brain and body Brain specializations — differences in the formation of the brain that would give one sex an advantage over the other: men’s left loves generally are better for linear thinking, sequential information, spatial skills and abstract, analytical reasoning — women’s right lobes are better at imagination and artistic activity and holistic, intuitive thinking Interpersonal theories of gender Psychodynamic theory — emphasized interpersonal relationships within the family that affects a child’s sense of identity Relationships, especially early ones, are central to development of human personality and gender identity as children internalize in a more passive way. Mothers generally encourage more and earlier independence with their sons and talk with them less about emotional or relational issues. Psychological theory — stresses the learning and role modeling between children and a variety of other people including parents Emphasized the power of others’ communication to teach lessons about gender and to provide models of masculinity and femininity Social Learning Theory — individuals learn to be masculine or feminine through imitation, observation, experimentation, and responses from others — likely to develop patterns that others approve — views children as relatively passive Cognitive Development Theory – Assumes that children play active roles in developing their own identities using others to define themselves; motivated by an internal desire to be competent – children go through several stages in developing gender identities Gender constancy – the understanding that one is male or female and that this Does not change – same sex models become very important and as they grow children will look for role models (magazines, TV, blogs, etc.) Cultural theories of gender Anthropology — shows that cultures profoundly shape gender Symbolic Interactionism Theory – key role of communication in socializing new members into the understandings and values of a given culture: parents, peers, teachers tell children who they are. Gender roles are both external and assigned and value-defined by culture Critical theories of gender Standpoint Theory – Offers insights into how a person’s social location with a culture shapes his or her life. Focuses on how gender, race, and class influence our positions in society. Social world consists of very different positions within the social hierarchies and all perspectives are limited. Standpoint is earned through critical reflection on power relations and through engaging in the struggle required to construct an oppositional stance. People in positions of power have a vested interest in preserving their place in the hierarchy leaving views of social life more distorted. Chapter 3 First wave of feminism — 1840-1925 Began with abolitionists — the Grimke sisters 1838 Liberals — Stanton, Mott, Anthony — thought that women should be allowed to vote because they were citizen and equals 1918-1920 — Paul and Burns spearheaded the nonviolent protests Women’s suffrage Hunger strikes Cult of Domesticity — it’s a woman’s duty to vote to empower workers, family, etc. Men and women were not alike — public vs. private spheres Women’s virtue would reform politics Few women voted 1925: child labor law failed to be ratified Second wave of feminism — 1960-1995 Liberal and cultural ideologies coexisted Included activists: Betty Friedan (Feminine Mystique), Gloria Steinem (If Men Could Menstruate), Marlo Thomas Often associated with radical feminism — oppression of women is the fundamental form of oppression on which others are modeled Grew out of the New Left politics Protested the Vietnam War Fought for civil rights New Left men treated women as subordinates Radical feminism strategies Public events Missile Dick Chicks Radical Cheerleaders Muslim feminists Women’s health movement Lesbian feminism — only women who love and live with women — putting women first Women Identified Not all lesbians are feminists — not all lesbian feminists are radical lesbians Committed to ending discrimination Advocated equality in all spheres of life Betty Friedan — The Feminine Mystique — dissatisfaction, political issue National Organization for Women — 1966 Effective in gaining passage of laws and policies Lobbying, public forums, drafting legislation, conventions Criticized for their narrow, white middle class focus, shows more attention to diverse women now Separatism — communities where women live independently with mutual respect They believe it is impossible to reform patriarchal culture so they exit mainstream society They believe women and men are different Revalorism — focuses on appreciating women’s traditional activities They believe that women are more nurturing, cooperative, life-giving More complete history of America Lilith Fair Ecofeminism — 1974 Connection between efforts to control women and quest to dominate nature Animal rights, peace activists, vegetarians Seeks to bring consciousness of humans’ interdependence with other forms of life Womanism — 1970s Believe that men and women are mainly alike African American women highlighted ways gender and racial oppression intersect Recognized that black women are more often single, have less formal education, bear more children, are paid less and assume financial responsibility Addresses the issues that affect lower-class black women by reforming social services with increased training and job opportunities Multiracial feminism – Emphasizes multiple systems of domination and incorporated additional underrepresented voices – understands that race intersects other systems of domination Meaning of gender varies as a result of: Race Economic class Sexual orientation Emphasis on women’s agency & highlights strengths of women Challenges idea of universal woman Power feminism — 1993 – Naomi Wolf argued it is self-defeating to focus on social causes of inequities – society doesn’t oppress women Women have power to control what happens to them & should stop thinking of themselves as victims Capitalize on power of majority status. Only thing holding women back is belief they are victims Appeals to white, successful, well-educated/ Less helpful to those without privilege Emphasis on empowerment influential in shaping third wave Third wave of feminism — 1995-Present Recognizes that women differ in many ways including race, class, sexual orientation, body shape and size Build Coalitions with men and other groups that work against various kinds of oppression Engaging in everyday resistance incorporating structural changes in everyday life (i. e., challenging racist comments; confronting homophobic attitudes) Political is personal Media Savvy- Use mass and social media to advance ideas (i. e., Tori Amos; R. A. I. N. N.; Blogs, Zines, social network sites) Embrace Aesthetics and Consumerism May lead to commodification of own body Pornography creates pressure for women to accept sexual images of liberated women Women encouraged to explore sexuality on own terms Individualism Antifeminism — Backlash Success of feminism leads to antifeminist efforts First Wave: anti-suffrage movement Second Wave: Total Women — stressed the view of women as sex objects Fascinating Womanhood — grounded in Biblical teachings The STOP ERA Campaign — Phyllis Shlafly — argued that the ERA would undercut men’s willingness to support children, allow women to be drafted and take away gender specific bathrooms Funded by corporate leaders and upper class as ERA was not consistent with economic and political interests Third Wave: Surrendered Wives, the War against Boys (& Men) Chapter 4 Profeminists (progressive men, male feminists) Emerged in 1960s when some in New Left were ashamed when confronted with hypocrisy Worked to bring attitudes and behavior in line with egalitarian ideology & joined forces with women to work for women’s rights They endorse: Equal pay for equal work End to discrimination Increase in parental leave Affordable child care Want to develop emotional capacities society discourages in men; Argue men are forced to repress feelings & this diminishes men’s humanity Encourage men to be more sensitive, caring, and open National Organization for Men against Sexism (NOMAS) Workshops to expand men’s awareness of ways emotional development hindered Condemn aggression, violence, emotional insensitivity Issues: End violence against women End homophobic attitudes Develop and enrich men’s studies at colleges and universities Rhetorical strategies: Group discussion on masculinity Speak publicly in support of women’s rights and men’s development Educational outreach Enact traitorous identities White Ribbon Campaign — Men’s antiviolence groups 1991 — Canada — in response to the Montreal Massacre Encourage men to take responsibility to speak out against violence against women Present antiviolence workshops Talk with other men about issue Physical and emotional violence Women not able to join Praised by men and women Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) — Men’s antiviolence groups Jackson Katz Trains men in mentoring other men to reject men’s violence Aims to educate men about socialization that links violence to masculinity Men likely to be violent if with violent peers MVP aims to use power of peer influence to: Teach aggression and violence linked to views of masculinity Call attention to role of bystander Criticism: Group doesn’t go far enough in analysis Violence woven into society’s definition of masculinity Fathers 4 Justice — Father’s rights groups England — preforms dramatic stunts that often include humor Mythopoetic Men – 1980s-1990s Robert Bly Aims to foster personal growth, bonding by encouraging men to rediscover mythic roots of masculine thinking and feeling and restore men to primordial spirit Rhetorical strategy of often ridiculing male feminists Men’s connections to earth and comradeship ripped asunder by modernization Taken away from land and contact with natural life Industrialization separated men from families Need to recover male mode of feeling; to reclaim courage, aggression, virility Qualities can be put to service of worthy goals Iron John recounts ancient myths of manhood Father hunger — grief born of yearning to be close to fathers and other men Get in touch with their grief and rediscover masculine feelings and energies Hold workshops and nature retreats: Gather in woods Beat drums and chant Listen to poetry and stories Movement received praise and blame Father hunger highlights anguish men feel Unwilling to confront gender inequality Largely white, middle class Movement has virtually disappeared Promise Keepers — 1990 McCartney and Wardell Idea of filling stadium with Christian men 1991: drew 4, 200 men-Two years later — filled 50, 000-seat stadium Believe men fallen away from responsibilities Reconnection to commandments as the path Evangelical Christianity Urges men to be leaders of their families Promotes values that build strong families Call for male responsibility Wives say marriages improved Seven Promises: 1. Honor Jesus 5. Support the church 2. Pursue male relationships 6. Reach beyond barriers 3. Practice purity 7. Influence the world for good 4. Build strong families Reservations from others: Women can’t attend meetings Men should lean only on each other Why can’t husbands and wives be equal? Elitist Efforts to broaden membership and soften rhetoric 2003: Fortson, African American, became new head of movement Assert homosexuality is a sin Gays are leading immoral lives Makes those who support gays uncomfortable Some say more of a political than spiritual movement Reached peak in 1997 — rally at national mall The Million Man March — 1995 Farrakhan — leader of the Nation of Islam Goal — black men of all backgrounds atone for sins and reconcile Pledged spiritual transformation and political action; Register to vote; Fight drugs, unemployment and violence; Recommit to wives and families; Active in churches and communities Criticism: Women are excluded Encourages to base rage on racial identity Antifeminist and antigay The Million More Movement — 2005 Farrakhan Inclusive of all sexes, races, sexualities Focuses on racial disparities Traitorous identity — criticizes attitudes or actions that are common and accepted among members of that group Chapter 5 6 Connections between language and gender 1. Male generic language excludes women (i. e. spotlighting — highlighting a person’s sex: lady doctor, woman lawyer) 2. Language defines men and women differently Women defined by appearance/ men by activities, accomplishments, or positions Reflects social views of women as passive and men as active when engaged in sexual activity Reflects society’s view of women as defined by their relationships rather than independent agents 3. Language shapes awareness of gendered issues Naming-we name things that matter, ignore things that don’t Creates awareness (i. e. sexual harassment and date rape) As we modify language, we change how we see ourselves in the world 4. Language organized perceptions of gender Stereotyping women as emotional and weak and men as rational and strong Polarized thinking or thinking of things as absolute opposites – erases transgendered people Queer performative theory challenges & encourages us to see notice variations among women and men 5. Language evaluates gender Continues to devalue females and femininity by trivializing, deprecating, and diminishing women & femininity Labeled as immature, equated w/food, or animals; diminutive suffixes; derogatory names 6. Language allows self-reflection (androgyny) Male generic language — mailman, spokesman, fireman, businessman Speech community — a group of people who share norms about communication — when people share understanding about goals of communication, strategies for enacting those goals, and ways of interpreting communication Feminine style Tend to regard communication as primary way to establish and maintain relationships Features of Feminine Speech Talk is essence of relationships used for fostering connections, support, closeness Establishing equality Support for others Conversational “ maintenance work” Responsiveness Personal concrete style (i. e. details) Tentativeness (qualifiers and tag questions) Masculine style Tend to regard talk as a way of accomplishing goals, exerting control, and preserving independence, entertaining, & establishing status Features of Masculine Speech Effort to establish status and control (jokes, I-references, tendency not to self-disclose) Instrumentality Conversational command (rerouting conversations, interrupting) Direct and assertive More abstract and speak in general terms Less emotionally responsive (minimum response cues) Polarized thinking — thinking of things as absolute opposites 5 Gender based misinterpretations 1. Showing support 2. “ Troubles talk” 3. The point of the story 4. Relationship talk 5. Public speaking Chapter 6 Gendered nonverbal communication Nonverbal behaviors are 65-93% or more of the total meaning of communication Nonverbal = all elements of communication other than words Learned through interaction with others Nonverbal communication related to gender and culture: Expresses cultural meanings of gender Men and women use to present themselves as gendered people Functions of nonverbal communication Supplement verbal messages: Repeat words Contradict verbal message Complement verbal message Replace verbal message Accent verbal message Regulate interaction Women use to invite others into conversation Men use to hold onto talk stage Establish relationship level of meaning Responsiveness (inflection, eye contact, posture) Women more responsive (smiles, eye contact, leaning forward, congruent postures) Women more overtly expressive than men Race/Ethnicity can influence Liking (Vocal warmth, touching, holding eye contact) Signal we like or dislike others Females socialized to be nice (more signals of liking, acceptance) Also signal dislike (turning back, glaring) Power or control Power = degree we act as equal, dominant, deferential Control = who defines topics, directs conversation, defers Nonverbal behaviors assert or defer territoriality Men generally take up more space Women more likely than men to surrender territory Artifacts Personal objects that influence how see self and express identity Parents send messages through toys give to sons and daughters Boys given toys that invite competition, active play Girls given toys that encourage nurturing, attention to appearance In adult life, continue to reflect cultural views of masculinity and femininity Men’s clothes not as colorful, more functional Women’s clothes call attention to body, less functional Meaning depends on cultural context Advertisements for food, homemaking, child rearing feature women Products associated with work, cars, sports feature men (or women in seductive poses) Cosmetics industry multimillion dollar business Some use artifacts to challenge existing perceptions Men wear earrings Women wear military boots Proximity and personal space Proxemics refers to use of space Different cultures have different norms Primary means by which a culture designates who is important, privileged (i. e. strict patriarchies don’t allow women to own property) Men head of table; have private spaces Few women with families have private space Territoriality Personal space we don’t want others to invade Not equally respected People with power more likely to enter space of those with less power Men go into women’s spaces more than women enter men’s How respond to invasion? Women more likely to accept invasion and cede territory Men more likely to challenge invasion Haptics — touch Parents touch daughters more often and more gently Boys learn to associate touching with control and power Women initiate touches that express support Men use touch to assert power and express sexual interest Women may perceive men’s touch as harassing Gay and lesbians may feel they can’t touch in public Men tend to have more physical confidence More willing to use physical force Kinesics (facial and body motion) Women tilt heads, smile, condense body Men make large gestures, take up space, enter other person’s territory Women’s movements signal they are approachable, friendly, unassuming Men’s movements indicate they are reserved, in control Men more likely to use movements aggressively Women signal interest by sustaining eye contact Men do not sustain eye contact during conversations (Except when challenging others) Paralanguage Vocal cues that accompany communication Difference between average male and average female pitch exceeds physiological explanations though there are some physiological difference) Women use higher pitch, softer volume, more inflection Men use lower pitch, greater volume in order to command conversational stage Women perceived as feminine assumed to be pretty, immature Men perceived as masculine assumed to be intelligent, mature Physical appearance Men and women pressured to meet cultural ideals Concern about appearance not as much of a problem for males (87% at least somewhat satisfied) Men with concerns tend to focus on musculature Girls and women more dissatisfied with appearance By age 5, many girls have negative self-images based on weight Pressure to be thin contributes to epidemic of eating disorders Ideals reflected in popular culture (i. e., Mannequins; shrinking size of Miss America) African American women more satisfied with bodies, less prone to eating disorders Physical appearance more closely linked to self-worth for gay men Interpreting nonverbal behavior Women more skilled at interpreting nonverbals and identifying emotions; reason is debated Biological view-Females’ right brain specialization may make more adept at decoding emotions Cognitive development and social learning — females encouraged to be sensitive Women’s standpoint as caregivers Women outnumber men in caring professions Decoding skill results from women’s standpoint as subordinate members of society Cultural Values Women expected to emphasize communality-building and sustaining relationships Men emphasize agency-displaying power and initiative Western society values agency more than communality Masculine characteristics perceived as norm for healthy adults Different nonverbal styles are different NOT better or worse We can act as agents of change if we resist the social expectations of gender that are placed on us Respecting styles Greater accuracy in interpreting others results from understanding and respecting differences Suspend judgment based on own perspectives Consider what others mean more thoughtfully Ask for clarification Make an effort to appreciate others Increases your range of options Empower yourself to create style that reflects identity assign to self