Gender and Feminism Concepts

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from gender studies and feminist theory.

gender

The set of cultural meanings, norms, expectations and historical structures associated with being a man or woman.

sex

Biological assignment at birth and individuals are raised according to its associated norms.

dominant gender regime

A societal structure that enforces traditional gender norms.

culture

A system of beliefs, values, norms that encompasses behaviors and attitudes learned from communities, families, and social organizations.

two-spirit

Individuals who embody or take on roles of both male and female.

gender fluidity

A concept that combines gender, culture, and spirituality.

hijra

People who do not fit into male or female categories, often associated with South Asia.

the 'male gaze'

The concept that women's self-perception is influenced by being viewed as objects.

gendered occupations

Job titles that reinforce traditional gender roles, such as policeman or fireman.

gendered terms

Terms associated with women that are often more negative than those associated with men.

creation myth (Christianity)

The narrative in which Eve is created from Adam, establishing a narrative of female frailty.

Pandora's Box

A story from Greek mythology where Pandora's curiosity unleashes evils into the world, attributing troubles to women.

the politics of the body

The notion that the female body is shaped by social values, ideals, and power structures.

body positivity movement

A social movement that advocates for the acceptance of all bodies regardless of size or appearance.

consumerism

The phenomenon where women are presented as active consumers negotiating their identities through fashion and beauty.

body as resistance

Using one's body to challenge and subvert societal norms.

self-representation

The effort by women to express their own identities in art and literature.

democratization (of the internet)

The shift of power from producers to consumers in cultural content creation.

cyberbullying

Using the internet to harm or intimidate individuals, often perpetuated by anonymous users.

misogyny

Hatred towards women that can manifest in various societal forms.

the Four Waves of Feminism

A classification of feminist movements addressing different aspects of women's rights across history.

1st wave feminism

Focused on legal and political equality primarily for white, middle-class women.

2nd wave feminism

Centered on reproductive rights and domestic violence, emphasizing personal experience as political.

3rd wave feminism

Emphasizes intersectionality and has no clear goals.

4th wave feminism

Focuses on online activism and issues like reproductive justice and body positivity.

liberal feminism

Advocates for legal and political reform to achieve equality.

socialist feminism

Links women's oppression to capitalism and class exploitation.

radical feminism

Seeks to dismantle patriarchy as a system.

black feminism

Introduces intersectionality to highlight the connections between race, class, and gender oppression.

eco feminism

Argues that patriarchal systems control both women and nature.

postmodern feminism

Claims that identity and gender are constructed through language and discourse.

transitional feminism

Seeks solidarity among women across different categories.

intersectionality

How aspects of identity overlap and intersect to shape unique experiences of oppression.

power

The capacity to influence or direct others' actions.

authority

Legitimate power accepted by individuals.

patriarchy

A societal system where males dominate access to resources and rewards.

30% threshold

The point at which women’s political representation leads to better influence on policy addressing women's needs.

obstacles to female leadership

Cultural, structural, and perception barriers that hinder women's influence in politics.

gendered symbolism

The notion of nations being viewed as female entities needing male protection.

intersex

People with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn't fit typical definitions of male or female.

biological determinism

The belief that biological factors determine gender identity.

eugenics

The selective breeding of people deemed 'superior' to enhance a population.

hegemonic masculinity

A dominant form of masculinity that legitimizes men's dominant position in society.

gender norms

The expectations and rules regarding behavior and appearance based on one's gender.

feminist theory

A diverse set of theoretical perspectives that analyze the nature of gender inequality.

sexism

Prejudice or discrimination based on a person's sex or gender.

gender equality

The state in which access to rights and opportunities is unaffected by gender.

patriarchal bargain

The strategies women employ to gain resources or status within a patriarchal system.

matriarchy

A social system in which women hold primary power.

gender identity

One's personal sense of their gender, which may or may not correspond with their sex assigned at birth.

non-binary

An identity that does not fit within traditional binary notions of male or female.

transgender

Individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned to them at birth.