Women's Studies Midterm Review 2

Week 3, 4 ,5

discourse

defined as the spoken or written debate or dialect of conversation. It discusses a particular subject and how we understand or produce different meanings related to that subject

naturalizing/biologizing the differences between sexes

 refers to the process of observing differences between males and females, as are attributed to biological causes, rather than social or cultural factors. Takes an approach of sex differences being natural, fixed, and rooted within biology

androcentrism

the tendency to place masculine or male experiences at the centre of worldview, culture, or history. As a result it marginalizes women's views and experiences.

gender polarization

follows the idea that society organizes ideas, behaviours and roles into two strictly opposed categories - “masculine” and “feminine”. follows the idea that everyone must fit into one of two opposing gender boxes

‘doing gender’

discussed by West & Zimmerman, the idea that gender is not only a role, but is something that we do, and is an ongoing process which evolves as a result of interacting with others.

structural functionalism

 argues that gender roles validate our gender identity. These roles are seen as necessary and useful to maintain an equilibrium in society and help it to properly function

symbolic interactionism

The role that we play is a result of a series of interactions and complex situations which can be contradictory. These roles can be oppressive and result in tensions within us.

gender performativity

discussed by Judith Butler, discussed how gender performativity is repetitive, and a repeat performance of your gender, through the way that you carry yourself everyday.

body

living biological entity with parts routinely marked by gender, social class, race, ethnicity, generation, disability, and sexuality. products of norms, institutions, and practices. 

embodiment

describes the process  by which an idea, norm or principle is given a concrete physical or bodily form. Men and women embody gender differently, and experience their bodies in different ways. 

bodily discourses

learned directly through social and cultural rules. These tells us what clothes, body shape, facial expression, and behaviour are required of us.  refers to language and representation by which subjects become individuals in society. 

disciplining the body

discussed by Michel Foucault, explains how this is done through a series of norms, practices, and institutions. It does not come naturally but rather but is taught and is forcefully imposed. results in creating hierarchies based on dominance. 

self-surveillance

concept discussed within post feminism, and how women have become very mindful of their bodies and themselves. It is the notion that femininity is a bodily property, and women are constantly watching themselves as a result of the way we think we are viewed by others. 

the beauty myth

defined by by Naomi Wolf, it creates particular needs and feelings of inadequacy in women. It is the concept of the male gaze and how beauty is socially constructed through this. women therefore view themselves as an object of vision, and a certain version of the body becomes more valued.

objectification

defined as the act of treating or viewing a person as an object rather than a whole human being. It typically refers specifically to sexual objectification where a woman is viewed as an object of sexual desire

the male gaze

a feminist theory describing how the media presents women from a masculine perspective. It suggests that women are portrayed as objects for men, rather than individuals and complex subjects. 

neoliberalism

a way of thinking that relies on a belief in the free market, with no government intervention, making individuals responsible for their welfare. Relies on the capabilities of an individual to succeed in a free liberal society

abjection

coined by Julia Kristeva, where it refers to the process where parts of the body are rejected, or seen as strange, not fitting the norm, or unwanted. 

counter discursive strategies

idea of counteracting  social norms, and changing norms about gender, race, culture, religion, body size, and disability

sexualization

process where individuals are valued for sexual appeal, rather than qualities. portrays women and girls in ways that focus on their body and sexual characteristics.