Gender Studies 1000 midterm 1

What are some common misconceptions about feminism?

Feminism is often seen as man-hating and representing women's interests exclusively.

What is a fundamental belief of feminism regarding gender?

Feminism holds that women and men are of equal value and deserve equal rights.

Who are some notable figures associated with feminism?

Hilary Rodham Clinton and Berta Cáceres.

What ideology is liberal feminism associated with?

Liberal feminism is linked to the ideology of liberalism, which emphasizes individual autonomy and political equality.

What historical figures are associated with liberal feminism?

John Locke, John Stuart Mill, John Rawls, Immanuel Kant, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

What are the key areas of focus for liberal feminism?

Political equality, work, and control over reproduction.

What is the problem with inclusion in a liberal society?

Inclusion often comes at the expense of exclusion, raising questions about whose freedom and equality are prioritized.

What does bell hooks define feminism as?

A movement to end sexist oppression.

What critique does bell hooks offer regarding equality-based definitions of feminism?

She questions which men women want to be equal to in a society structured by white supremacy and capitalism.

What does Gloria Steinem argue about feminism?

Feminism is not just about gaining equality with men but about ending all forms of social oppression.

What does the term 'patriarchy' refer to?

A political-social system that asserts male dominance and superiority over women and other marginalized groups.

How does bell hooks describe the impact of patriarchy?

Patriarchy maintains dominance through psychological terrorism and violence.

What is a significant shortcoming of definitions that focus solely on equality?

They may overlook the implications of domination inherent in male identity.

What does the term 'sexist oppression' encompass according to bell hooks?

It targets women and is part of a broader struggle against various forms of domination.

What is the relationship between race, class, and feminism according to the text?

Race and class intersect with sexism, affecting the extent of discrimination and oppression faced by individuals.

What is the critique of middle-class women's priorities in feminism?

Middle-class women may prioritize equality that reflects their own privileges rather than addressing broader issues of oppression.

What does Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie define as a feminist?

A person who believes in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.

What does the phrase 'freedom for some women equals unfreedom for others' imply?

It suggests that the empowerment of certain women may come at the cost of others' rights and freedoms.

What does the term 'liberalism' represent in the context of feminism?

It is seen as both a desirable goal and a problematic ideology that can perpetuate inequality.

What is the significance of the phrase 'ideology of domination' in feminist theory?

It highlights the systemic issues of power dynamics that feminism seeks to challenge.

How does the text suggest feminism should be viewed?

As a movement to end not just sexist oppression but also other forms of entangled oppression.

What does the text suggest about the roles of women in a patriarchal society?

Women's roles are often more limited than men's, with men typically receiving higher pay and more authority.

What is one example of patriarchy mentioned in the text?

Men typically getting paid more than women for the same work.

What does the text imply about the future of feminist movements?

It suggests that future discussions will address issues of imperialism, white supremacy, and capitalism as they relate to feminism.

What is bell hooks' definition of feminism?

A movement to end sexist and other entangled forms of oppression.

What are the various levels of the ideology of domination according to bell hooks?

Patriarchy, imperialism, white supremacy, and capitalism.

How does patriarchy function according to bell hooks?

It is a political-social system where men dominate and rule over those deemed weak, especially women, often using psychological terrorism and violence.

What price do men pay for the benefits of patriarchy?

They are required to dominate and oppress women, often using violence to maintain patriarchy.

What does Steinem argue about women's liberation?

It seeks to free men as well, emphasizing shared struggles among women.

What shift in expression regarding feminism does bell hooks suggest?

From 'I am a feminist' to 'I advocate feminism' to avoid focusing on identity and lifestyle.

When was the term 'feminism' first coined and where?

In France in the 1880s as 'féminisme'.

What are the three characteristics of social movements according to Charles Tilly and Lesley Wood?

1) A campaign, 2) A social movement repertoire (e.g., rallies, petitions), 3) WUNC displays (public representations of Worthiness, Unity, Numbers, Commitment).

What is capitalism as defined in the notes?

A social system where biological and cultural needs are accessed through a market, compelling individuals to sell their time for a wage.

What does Ruth Wilson Gilmore state about capitalism and inequality?

Capitalism requires inequality, and racism enshrines it.

What is 'housewifization'?

The violent process by which women were terrorized to provide domestic labor for free or at a low cost.

What historical developments does Freedman associate with the rise of feminism?

The advent of imperialism, colonialism, the transatlantic slave trade, and industrial capitalism.

What does Freedman argue about the historical development of feminism?

It is a contested term that extends beyond Europe and includes forms of women's resistance in non-white cultures.

What does Alice Walker's concept of 'womanist' emphasize?

A love for music, dance, struggle, and self, as well as a connection to the folk and the spirit.

How does industrial capitalism affect social movements?

It obliges people into cities and workplaces, facilitating organization against inequality.

What is the significance of the term 'feminism' in the context of social movements?

It is a movement that seeks to address and combat various forms of oppression, and is necessary for advocating for women's rights.

What does Freedman suggest about the evolution of women's rights?

Women insist on equal worth and rights, which should enhance men's economic opportunities.

What does the term 'WUNC displays' refer to?

Public representations of Worthiness, Unity, Numbers, and Commitment in social movements.

What role does intersectionality play in social movements?

It serves as a framework for analysis and structure, connecting various injustices and movements.

What does the term 'social movement repertoire' include?

Activities like rallies, vigils, occupations, barricades, and petitions.

What historical period is associated with the rise of capitalism?

Late feudalism during the 16th and 17th centuries.

What is the relationship between capitalism and gender according to the notes?

Capitalism requires inequality, and gender enshrines it, influencing social structures.

What does Freedman suggest about the expression of feminism among marginalized women?

Marginalized women have been wary of identifying as feminists due to fear of misunderstanding.

What does 'Kwe' mean in Anishnaabe culture?

'Kwe' means 'woman' and is essential to understanding one's identity in Anishnaabe culture.

Why does Wanda Nanibush refrain from calling herself a feminist?

She wants control over her own naming and believes Indigenous women are the earliest feminists.

What is one key assertion made by Walker & Nanibush?

They deny the monopoly of pan-Europeans on social justice and assert one's agency within their culture.

What does Mia Mckenzie criticize about the concept of shared female experience?

She argues it allows dominant voices to overshadow the experiences of less-heard members of the group.

What is intersectionality?

A framework for feminist analysis that examines how various forms of oppression overlap and create unique experiences.

Who coined the term 'intersectionality'?

Kimberlé Crenshaw in a 1989 article.

What does Kimberlé Crenshaw emphasize about intersectionality?

The intersectional experience is greater than the sum of racism and sexism, particularly for Black women.

What historical figure does Crenshaw reference in relation to intersectionality?

Sojourner Truth, highlighting the need for White women to relinquish their vested interest in whiteness.

What is the Combahee River Collective's stance on oppression?

They state that major systems of oppression are interlocking, including race, sex, sexuality, and class.

What does bell hooks argue about the struggle for Black women?

She believes it is also the struggle for all women and all Black people, aiming for the greatest freedom for the most people.

How does bell hooks suggest building a movement?

By centering the struggles of those facing the most overlapping forms of oppression.

What is a significant concern raised by Mia Mckenzie regarding feminist movements?

The danger of lumping diverse experiences together, which can marginalize less-heard voices.

What does Crenshaw's model of intersectionality help us understand?

It helps us understand that the oppression experienced by Black women is unique compared to that of Black men and White women.

What is the purpose of examining intersectionality in feminist analysis?

To connect struggles and build movements without marginalizing oppressed groups.

What does the Combahee River Collective's statement emphasize about identity politics?

It emphasizes that the major systems of oppression are interlocking and must be addressed collectively.

What is the significance of the phrase 'the myth of shared womanhood'?

It critiques the oversimplification of women's experiences, which can lead to the dominance of certain voices in feminist discourse.

What does Crenshaw argue about analyses that ignore intersectionality?

They cannot adequately address the specific ways in which Black women are subordinated.

What does the term 'intersectional lens' refer to?

A perspective that recognizes the interconnected nature of social categorizations and their impact on individuals' experiences.

How does bell hooks view the struggle for Black women's rights?

As integral to the broader struggle for equality among all women and marginalized groups.

What is a key takeaway from Kimberlé Crenshaw's TED Talk on intersectionality?

The importance of acknowledging the combined effects of race and gender bias on individuals.

What does the Combahee River Collective suggest about the origins of intersectionality?

They highlight that Black feminist struggles predate and inform contemporary feminist movements.

What is the relationship between oppression and movement-building according to the text?

Understanding the unique nature of oppression is crucial for building effective and inclusive movements.

What is the definition of colonialism?

Colonialism is a system that occupies and usurps labor, land, and/or resources from one group of people for the benefit of another.

How is settler colonialism distinct from extractive colonialism?

Settler colonialism uses settlers to form communities that lay claim to land, while extractive colonialism focuses on resource extraction.

What does Patrick Wolfe mean by 'settler colonization is a structure not an event'?

It indicates that settler colonization occurs over a long period and involves ongoing processes aimed at replacing Indigenous communities with settler communities.

What is the 'logic of elimination' in settler colonialism?

The logic of elimination seeks to replace one people with another to lay claim to the land, often resulting in the erasure of Indigenous societies.

What are the two main outcomes of settler colonialism according to Wolfe?

Settler colonialism eliminates Indigenous peoples and societies while producing a new society that may incorporate Indigenous peoples in ways that diminish their power.

What role does hegemony play in settler colonialism?

Hegemony is the cultural dynamic by which a group claims and sustains a leading position in social life, influencing the power dynamics within settler colonial contexts.

What is 'primitive accumulation' in the context of capitalism?

Primitive accumulation refers to the processes of privatization of land and resources and the creation of a class of landless workers necessary for capital circulation.

What is the significance of Indigenous women in the struggle against settler colonialism?

Indigenous women are positioned at the center of the struggle for Indigenous freedom and resurgence, facing unique forms of oppression under settler colonialism.

What are the various levels of the ideology of domination mentioned by bell hooks?

The levels include patriarchy, imperialism, white supremacy, and capitalism.

What is the goal of the movement to end sexist and other forms of oppression?

The goal is to eradicate the ideology of domination that permeates Western culture.

What does the term 'settler colonial societies' refer to?

Settler colonial societies build their power by establishing legal processes to acquire and control land and resources, asserting their rights as settler subjects.

What is the relationship between capitalism and land?

Capitalism requires the circulation of capital, which is fundamentally dependent on the means of production, including land and labor.

What is the importance of understanding imperialism and colonialism in the context of Indigenous resurgence?

Understanding these concepts is crucial for recognizing the historical and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous communities.

What is the focus of the midterm exam in this course?

The midterm exam will focus on understanding concepts, interventions, debates, and the application of ideas related to feminism, intersectionality, settler colonialism, and Indigenous resurgence.

What is the significance of the Combahee River in the context of this course?

The Combahee River is referenced in discussions about the intersection of race, gender, and class in the context of Indigenous and feminist struggles.

What are some methods suggested for preparing for the midterm exam?

Methods include reading/watching/listening to assigned material, engaging in class discussions, and actively reviewing notes through various study aids.

What does the term 'settler colonialism' imply about the relationship between settlers and Indigenous peoples?

It implies a relationship characterized by the dispossession of Indigenous peoples and the establishment of settler communities that claim the land.

What does the term 'cycle of capitalism' refer to?

The cycle of capitalism refers to the continuous process of capital circulation necessary for business survival and growth.

What is the role of land in the cycle of capitalism?

Land is a core means of production, essential for generating capital and sustaining capitalist economies.

What is the importance of recognizing Indigenous territories in the context of settler colonialism?

Recognizing Indigenous territories is vital for understanding the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization and for supporting Indigenous resurgence.

How does settler colonialism target Indigenous women specifically?

Settler colonialism targets Indigenous women through unique forms of oppression that intersect with gender, race, and colonial violence.

What is settler colonialism?

A form of colonialism that involves the establishment of a permanent settlement and the accumulation of land, often targeting Indigenous populations.

Who is Patrick Wolfe?

A scholar who discusses the relationship between genocide and settler colonialism.

What distinguishes English and French models of empire building?

The widespread use of settler colonialism to accumulate land.

Why does settler colonialism specifically target Indigenous women?

It aims to disrupt Indigenous gender systems and impose modern patriarchy, particularly in matriarchal or matrilineal societies.

What is the definition of 'matriarchy' according to Johann Jakob Bachofen?

A society where women take a dominant role, control property, and gain political power.

How does social reproduction relate to Indigenous women?

Women often assume responsibilities for co-existence and the reproduction of society, making them central to land struggles.

What is the impact of settler colonialism on Indigenous societies?

It targets women to destroy societies and gain access to land.

What are residential schools in the context of settler colonialism?

Institutions aimed at assimilating Indigenous children, often resulting in cultural genocide.

What are sterilization campaigns in Canada described as?

Eugenics practices that targeted Indigenous populations, often without consent.

What was the purpose of the Indian Act?

To impose a patrilineal structure for Indigenous identity, disempowering women and disrupting matrilineal power distributions.