Gender Studies 1000 (material after midterms)

What is gender dysphoria?

A diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR defined as clinically significant distress or impairment due to gender incongruence, which may include a desire to change primary and/or secondary sex characteristics.

What does the term 'dysphoria' mean?

A state of unease, generalized dissatisfaction, or unhappiness, potentially severe.

Who popularized the idea that sex and gender are separate categories?

John Money and Anke Ehrhardt in 1972.

What is the difference between sex and gender according to John Money and Anke Ehrhardt?

Sex refers to physical attributes and is anatomically determined, while gender is a psychological transformation of the self, involving gender identity and behavioral expressions.

What is the significance of 'Turner's postulates' in understanding disease?

They suggest that disease is a language, the body is a representation, and medicine is a political practice that questions who decides what is a pathology that must be fixed.

What does the term 'intersex' refer to?

A condition where an individual is born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn't fit typical definitions of male or female.

What is the political implication of understanding gender as a construct?

It relates to the struggle over the nature of our lives and challenges the definitions imposed by natural sciences.

What is the role of science in the construction of gender and sex?

Science is involved in the knowledge and power dynamics that define human beings' place in nature and history, influencing the categorization of 'nature' and the limits on self-formation.

What is the focus of the course 'Indigenous Feminisms'?

It examines feminist perspectives from Indigenous viewpoints, addressing issues of gender, culture, and identity.

What is the course 'Fat Studies' about?

It explores the social, cultural, and political aspects of fatness and body size, challenging societal norms around weight.

What is the main theme of 'Constructing Sex (and Gender)'?

It investigates how societal constructs shape our understanding of sex and gender, questioning biological determinism.

What does the course 'Masculinities' focus on?

It studies the various forms and expressions of masculinity in different cultural and social contexts.

What is the purpose of the course 'Religion and Popular Culture'?

It examines the intersections between religious themes and popular culture, analyzing their influence on society.

What does 'policing of women' refer to in the context of gender studies?

It refers to societal and institutional practices that regulate women's behavior and identities, often through legal or cultural means.

What is the significance of the film 'Against Me! Transgender Dysphoria Blues'?

It addresses themes of gender identity and dysphoria through the lens of personal narrative and music.

What is the focus of the course 'Gender, Race, Postcolonialism'?

It explores the intersections of gender, race, and postcolonial theory, analyzing how these factors influence identity and power dynamics.

What is the aim of the course 'Methods that Matter in Gender Studies'?

It focuses on the research methodologies and theoretical frameworks that are significant in the field of gender studies.

What does 'pathologizing humanity beyond the binary' refer to?

It critiques the medical and social practices that label non-binary and diverse gender identities as pathological.

What is the significance of the course 'Christianity & the Roman Empire'?

It examines the historical relationship between Christianity and the political structures of the Roman Empire.

What does the course 'Religion and the Law in Contemporary Canada' explore?

It investigates the interactions between religious beliefs and legal frameworks in modern Canadian society.

What is the focus of the course 'Religion, Worldviews and Environment'?

It studies how different religious worldviews shape environmental ethics and practices.

What is the role of science in constructing gender?

Science defines the human being's place in nature and history, providing instruments of domination over the body and community, thus influencing the construction of gender.

What does Judith Butler argue about the concept of sex?

Butler argues that the concept of binary sex is based on the fallacious idea that multiple sex characteristics are immutable and must always go together.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Sex is between your legs, gender is between your ears'?

This phrase is often used in Trans 101 discussions but is criticized for oversimplifying the relationship between sex and gender.

How does Asher describe the assignment of gender to intersex children?

Asher states that regardless of being intersex, children are raised as whatever gender the doctor arbitrarily assigns.

What are cultural norms in relation to gender?

Cultural norms are unwritten rules around expected behaviors and appropriate conduct for men and women.

What does 'personal scale' refer to in gender construction?

The personal scale refers to individual experiences and influences, including family, socialization, and personal desires related to gender.

What is the historical significance of gender binaries?

The historical imposition of gender binaries serves specific societal functions and reflects power dynamics.

What does Simone de Beauvoir mean by 'One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman'?

This statement emphasizes that gender identity is shaped by historical events and societal circumstances rather than being a natural given.

What does Butler mean by 'gender is performative'?

In this context, 'performative' means that gender actions accomplish something or have an effect, rather than merely being expressions of identity.

What is the Two-Spirit identity?

Two-Spirit is a term used by some Indigenous cultures to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine spirits, often with specific cultural roles.

What roles do Two-Spirit people traditionally hold in Métis communities?

Two-Spirit individuals traditionally serve as truth speakers, child-rearers, mediators, counselors, and medicine people.

What are the Diné words for gender and their meanings?

Asdzáán (woman), Náhleeh (feminine-man), Dilbaa (masculine-woman), Hastiin (man).

How does family influence gender socialization?

Family influences gender socialization through primary socialization, modeling behavior, explicit expectations, and transmission of values and goals.

What are psychic realities in the context of gender?

Psychic realities refer to a person's subjective experience of the world, including feelings, desires, and hopes related to their gender identity.

What does the term 'gender norms' refer to?

Gender norms are societal expectations regarding behaviors and roles deemed appropriate for men and women.

What is the critique of the binary sex concept?

The critique highlights that sex characteristics can vary widely and are not fixed, challenging the notion of a strict binary.

What does the term 'social construction of gender' imply?

It implies that gender is not an inherent trait but rather shaped by societal influences and cultural contexts.

What is the impact of historical events on gender perception?

Historical events shape societal views on gender, often leading to the categorization and treatment of individuals based on gender norms.

How do personal experiences shape one's gender identity?

Personal experiences, including family dynamics, cultural influences, and individual desires, significantly shape one's understanding and expression of gender identity.

How is gender constructed in society?

Gender is constructed both on a personal scale and a historical scale.

What do contemporary anti-gender ideology movements seek to do?

They seek to eradicate 'gender' as a social discourse and understanding of power in society.

What is biological essentialism?

A belief that biological differences determine gender roles and identities.

What is the reactionary nature of anti-gender ideology?

It reflects a desire to return to an idealized past that may never have existed.

What threats do anti-gender ideology movements perceive?

They vilify feminism, gender fluidity, and trans and nonbinary people as threats to societal stability.

What actions does Georgiann Davis suggest for supporting trans individuals?

Stop surgeries, work with doctors, expand peer support, replace fear with power, embrace feminist ideas, recognize social construction, and listen to children.

What does Judith Butler suggest about norms in life?

We do not always have to 'cite our source' faithfully and can break from norms.

What does the term 'transgender' encompass?

It includes binary trans men and women, non-binary individuals, gender fluid, genderqueer, and agender people.

What is the implication of the term 'transsexual'?

It refers to someone who is not the gender they were assigned at birth, often implying medical transition.

What are the key questions regarding trans work according to O'Brien?

How does work (or lack of work) affect the lives of trans people? How do they assemble and resist?

What does Magnus Hirschfeld's work focus on?

He was a director known for his contributions to the understanding of sexuality and gender.

What is the significance of the film 'Paris is Burning'?

It explores the lives and culture of drag balls and the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in the 1980s.

What does bell hooks mean by 'Theory as Liberatory Practice'?

It emphasizes the importance of theory in achieving liberation and empowerment.

What is the role of co-optation in gender discourse?

Co-optation refers to the appropriation of feminist ideas by those who do not support the movement's goals.

What is the historical context of gender organization in societies?

Societies have not always been organized around a strict sex or gender binary.

What does the term 'gender fluid' refer to?

It describes individuals whose gender identity may change over time or depending on the situation.

What is the significance of the term 'genderqueer'?

It refers to individuals who do not conform to traditional gender distinctions.

What does the backlash against gender fluidity often involve?

It often involves the restoration of patriarchy, nationalism, racism, and capitalist individualism.

What does Judith Butler's work often address?

It addresses issues of gender identity, performativity, and the social constructs surrounding gender.

What is the importance of expanding and diversifying peer support for trans individuals?

It helps create a more inclusive and supportive environment for trans people.

What is heterosexism?

A belief that heterosexuality is the norm and superior to other sexual orientations.

Define homophobia.

An irrational fear or hatred of individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.

What does 'performing straightness' refer to?

The act of conforming to heterosexual norms to avoid stigma and gain acceptance.

What significant legal reform occurred in England and Wales in 1967?

The Sexual Offences Act decriminalized private, consensual sexual activity between two men aged 21 or over.

What was the outcome of Lawrence v. Texas in 2003?

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that laws banning consensual same-sex sexual activity were unconstitutional.

What did Pierre Trudeau say about the state's role in the bedrooms of the nation?

He stated there is no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation, advocating for the decriminalization of homosexuality.

What is the difference between formal equality and substantive equality?

Formal equality means equal status under the law, while substantive equality refers to equal access to rights and opportunities.

What was the Fruit Machine in Canada?

A psychological test used from the early 1950s to 1992 to identify homosexuals in the military and civil service.

What were the consequences of the Fruit Machine for individuals identified as homosexual?

Individuals faced loss of jobs, security clearance, housing, and were subjected to imprisonment and violence.

What were the Toronto Bathhouse Raids?

A series of police raids in 1981 targeting gay bathhouses, leading to public protests and riots.

What is ACT UP?

A grassroots organization founded in 1987 to advocate for AIDS awareness and treatment.

What does 'pink-washing' refer to?

The practice of using LGBTQ+ rights to promote a positive image while ignoring other social injustices.

What is the focus of disability justice?

Understanding and advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities within social justice movements.

How does intersectionality relate to sexuality and struggle?

Intersectionality analyzes how various social identities, such as race, gender, and sexuality, impact experiences of oppression and privilege.

What was the public response to the Canadian government's apology for the purge of LGBTQ+ individuals?

In 2017, the government issued a public apology and paid a $110 million settlement to victims of the purge.

What role did Tom Robinson's song 'Glad to Be Gay' play in LGBTQ+ activism?

The song highlighted the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and became an anthem for the movement.

What does the term 'complicit heterosexuality' mean?

Engaging in heterosexual norms to gain social acceptance while concealing one's true sexual orientation.

What is the significance of the phrase 'The buggers are legal now, what more are they after?'

It reflects societal attitudes that dismiss the ongoing struggles for LGBTQ+ rights even after decriminalization.

What was the impact of the Sexual Offences Act 1967 on LGBTQ+ rights?

It marked a significant step towards legal recognition and rights for gay men in the UK.

What is co-optation in the context of struggles?

Co-optation refers to the process of taking over or assimilating struggles for liberation, often diluting their original goals.

What is the relationship between queer liberation and settler-colonization?

No queer liberation can be achieved with settler-colonization; solidarity must acknowledge the racialized and imperial structures at play.

What do queer and feminist activists call for in relation to Palestine?

They call for solidarity with the Palestinian people in their resistance to displacement and land theft.

How do the medical and social models of disability differ?

The medical model views disability as an individual defect, while the social model sees it as a result of societal barriers.

Define 'impairment' and 'disability'.

Impairment is the functional limitation within an individual, while disability is the loss of opportunities to participate in community life due to barriers.

What is 'disability justice'?

Disability justice focuses on meeting the needs of all bodies and understanding how societal structures impact those needs.

How does capitalism influence gender roles?

Capitalism reduces humanity to labor, with distinct roles for different classes, often marginalizing care work traditionally associated with femininity.

What role does sexuality play in the capitalist imaginary?

Sexuality disciplines reproduction and reinforces the nuclear family as a unit of capitalist social reproduction.

How are 'disabled' bodies perceived in a capitalist framework?

Disabled bodies are seen as less valuable when they provide little labor and require excessive care.

What might a world centered on care look like?

A world prioritizing care over productivity would reimagine disability and community structures, focusing on joy and reciprocity.

What is the significance of understanding 'normal life' in community?

Reconsidering what constitutes 'normal life' can lead to changes in how communities are organized and how they support diverse needs.

What does the term 'settler-colonialism' imply in the context of queer struggles?

Settler-colonialism implies that queer struggles cannot be separated from the fight against racial and imperial oppression.

What is the impact of social barriers on disability?

Social barriers limit opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate equally in community life.

What is the importance of solidarity in activism?

Solidarity is crucial for addressing interconnected systems of oppression and achieving collective liberation.

How does the capitalist economy affect gender and sexuality?

It disciplines gender roles and sexuality to maintain social and biological reproduction necessary for labor.

What is a key question regarding the concept of 'normal' in society?

What conditions transform an 'impairment' into a 'disability' within societal structures?

What does the phrase 'all bodies have needs' signify?

It emphasizes that every individual, regardless of ability, has specific needs that must be acknowledged and met.

What is the role of care work in capitalist societies?

Care work is often undervalued and seen as a means to support productive labor, particularly in feminine roles.

What is the relationship between disability and social structure?

Disability is not just an individual issue but is deeply rooted in the social structures that create barriers.

What does the term 'pro-natalism' refer to?

Pro-natalism is the belief that high birth rates are essential for social stability and economic growth.

How can activism address the needs of disabled individuals?

Activism can push for societal changes that recognize and accommodate the diverse needs of disabled individuals.