Womens studies Ch.1

sexism

a system of beliefs, practices, and social relations that privileges men and masculinity, contributing to the subordination of women and other marginalized genders

essentialism

the belief that people possess inherent, fixes characteristics based on their biological sex

history of the word gossip

initially “godsibb” which meant god parent, who was present during childbirth and typically a woman. because labour can take a long time, they would start to talk, people thought their conversations weren’t important because they’re women

ideology

ideas, images, concepts, assumptions, and beliefs that provide the frameworks for which we interpret what is “normal” and “natural”

stereotyping

reduces people to a small number of simplified characteristics, presenting them as natural and fixed. it can create an “us” and “them” distinction

internalization

an unconscious act in which cultural beliefs about gender begin to take shape in early life through family, education, media, etc. these are unfixed nor inevitable

social constructionism

argues that gender roles are shaped by social, cultural, and historical processes. from this perspective, gender roles are learned through socialization rather than determined by biology