WSG160 Course Concepts

Feminisms & Waves of Feminism

Different movements and ideologies advocating for women's rights and gender equality, categorized into distinct historical waves with unique goals and issues.

Intersectionality

A framework for understanding how different aspects of a person's social and political identities combine to create unique modes of discrimination and privilege. It emphasizes the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender. - Kimberle Crenshaw

Privilege

A special right or advantage granted to a person or group, often based on social identities such as race, gender, or socioeconomic status. It can lead to systemic inequalities in society.

The Sex/Gender Binary

A classification system that divides people into two categories, male and female, based on biological sex and societal norms. This binary framework often overlooks the complexities of gender identity and expression.

Queer Theory

An approach that challenges the traditional categories of gender and sexuality, exploring the fluidity of identities and the social constructs surrounding them. It critiques normative assumptions about gender and sexuality and examines how these constructs influence power dynamics.

Heteronormativity

the belief that people fall into two distinct genders (male and female) that correspond to two biological sexes. it assumes that heterosexuality is the normal, default sexual orientation

Hegemonic Masculinity

A concept that describes the dominant form of masculinity in a given culture, characterized by the subordination of women and other gender identities. It emphasizes traits like strength, control, and heterosexuality, reinforcing traditional gender roles.

Queer of Colour Critique

An analytical framework that examines the intersections of race, sexuality, and gender, highlighting the unique experiences and struggles of queer individuals of color. It critiques mainstream queer theory for its lack of attention to racial issues and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of identity.

Sex Education

an educational approach that aims to teach individuals about sexual health, relationships, consent, and gender identity, often starting in adolescence.

Reproductive Justice

A framework that advocates for the right to have children, not have children, and parent in safe and sustainable communities, emphasizing the intersection of reproductive rights with social justice issues.

Racialization

The process by which society categorizes individuals based on perceived racial characteristics, often leading to discrimination and social inequalities.

Imperialism

a policy or practice by which a country extends its power and influence over other nations or territories, often through military force or diplomatic means.

Colonialism

A practice of acquiring and maintaining control over foreign territories, often involving the exploitation of resources and imposition of culture on the indigenous population.

Settler Colonialism

A form of colonialism where settlers establish permanent residences and assert sovereignty over indigenous lands, often displacing local populations.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often advocating for self-governance and independence from foreign influence.

White Supremacy

An ideology that promotes the belief that white people are superior to those of other racial backgrounds, often resulting in discrimination and oppression.

Eugenics

A social philosophy advocating for the improvement of human genetic traits through selective breeding, often associated with discriminatory practices and policies.

Genocide

The deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, often resulting in mass murder and severe human rights violations.

Orientalism

A framework for understanding and depicting the cultures and societies of the East, often characterized by stereotypes and a Western perspective that portrays Eastern societies as exotic or inferior.

Pinkwashing

The practice of promoting a progressive image regarding LGBTQ rights while diverting attention from other social injustices or human rights abuses.

The Prison Industrial Complex

A term describing the overlapping interests of government and industry that use surveillance, policing, and imprisonment as solutions to economic, social, and political problems, often leading to the expansion of the prison system.

Prison Abolition

The movement advocating for the dismantling of the prison system and the transformation of society to address the root causes of crime through social justice, community support, and restorative practices.

The Single Story

A concept that describes how reducing complex individuals and cultures to a single narrative can lead to stereotypes and misconceptions, often perpetuating inequality and misunderstanding.

Media Representation

The way in which various forms of media portray individuals, groups, or events, significantly influencing public perception and understanding, often reflecting and shaping societal attitudes and beliefs.

The Beauty Industry

A sector that encompasses businesses and practices focused on enhancing physical appearance through products and services, often promoting specific beauty standards and ideals.

Colourism

Discrimination based on skin tone, often within the same ethnic group, where lighter skin is favored over darker skin. This phenomenon affects social dynamics and self-perception.

Fatphobia

Discrimination or prejudice against individuals based on their body size or weight, often manifesting in societal stigma and negative attitudes towards those who are overweight or obese.

Transformative Works & Fanfiction

Creative expressions and adaptations of original works by fans, often altering characters, plots, or settings to explore new narratives and perspectives.

Capitalism

An economic system where private ownership and free markets drive production and distribution of goods and services, emphasizing profit and competition.

Social Reproduction

The processes through which societal norms, values, and structures are maintained and transmitted across generations, including the roles of family, education, and cultural practices.

Neoliberalism

An economic and political ideology promoting free markets, deregulation, and reduction of government intervention, often prioritizing individual entrepreneurship and privatization.

The Nuclear Family

A family unit consisting of two parents and their children, often seen as the traditional family structure in many societies.

Homonormativity

A concept that refers to the assimilation of LGBTQ+ individuals into heteronormative frameworks, often prioritizing certain relationships and lifestyles over others.

Migrant Labour

The practice of employing workers who move from one region or country to another, often for temporary work, typically in agriculture or construction.

Sex Work

The exchange of sexual services for money or goods, often involving complex social and legal issues.

The Social Determinants of Health

Factors that influence health outcomes, including economic stability, education, social and community context, health care access, and neighborhood environment.

Disability Justice

A movement that seeks to address the systemic inequities faced by disabled individuals, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and the intersectionality of disability with other social justice issues.

Disability Models (Medical, Social)

Frameworks for understanding disability, focusing on medical interventions versus social and environmental factors that affect individuals' experiences.

Gendered Violence

Refers to violence directed at individuals based on their gender, often rooted in power imbalances and societal norms. This includes domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment.

Environmental Racism

Discriminatory practices where marginalized communities face disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards, often due to systemic inequalities.

Environmental Justice

The fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, ensuring that marginalized communities are protected from environmental hazards.