Gender and Society

How does Genesis support traditional gender roles?

Adam is created first and Eve is created from Adam to be his ‘helper’, suggesting male priority and female supportiveness.

How does Augustine interpret the creation of Eve?

Augustine argues that a man alone contains the imago Dei, whereas a woman only participates in the image of God when united with her husband as his helper.

Why is Eve blamed for the Fall?

Eve was the first to be deceived and fall into sin, reinforcing the idea that women are morally weaker.

What punishment does Eve receive in Genesis 3:16?

Pain in childbirth and subordination: “your husband will rule over you”.

How does St Paul restrict women’s authority?

In 1 Timothy 2:12, Paul says women should not teach or have authority over men and will be saved through childbearing.

What does St Paul say about marriage in Ephesians 5?

Wives must submit to husbands as the Church submits to Christ, while husbands must love wives sacrificially.

How does Aquinas justify female submission?

Aquinas argues it benefits women and ensures good order, since men are more rational and wise.

How do liberal Christians challenge biblical patriarchy?

They focus on Jesus’ actions and the overarching biblical theme of love and equality rather than isolated passages.

How could Fletcher support this critique?

Situation ethics prioritises agape over rules, meaning rigid gender roles are not morally binding.

What is Mulieris Dignitatem?

A letter by Pope John Paul II defending Christianity against accusations of sexism.

How does JP2 define equality between men and women?

Men and women are equal in dignity but have different, complementary roles.

What does ‘telos’ mean?

A natural purpose or end that is good for something due to its nature.

Why is motherhood a woman’s telos according to JP2?

Female nature is oriented towards care and self-giving, which motherhood develops through a ‘special openness’ to others.

How does Genesis support JP2’s argument?

After the Fall, women suffer in childbirth while men labour in the fields, highlighting distinct gender roles.

What cultural evidence supports this view?

Gender roles are found across almost all cultures, suggesting they are biologically innate rather than socially constructed.

How does J.S. Mill explain gender inequality?

Men used physical strength to dominate women, then created cultural norms that presented inequality as natural.

Why doesn’t universality prove gender roles are natural?

Similar power dynamics exist everywhere, producing similar patriarchal structures.

How does Simone de Beauvoir reject telos?

As an existentialist, she argues humans create their own purpose — telos does not exist.

How does Marx’s idea of ideology support this critique?

Dominant groups create belief systems that justify and normalise their power.

Why is the feminist critique persuasive?

As Hume said, reason is a slave of the passions — people accept beliefs that benefit them.

How does this critique reinterpret Catholic gender theology?

Male theologians unconsciously developed doctrines that legitimise patriarchy as divinely ordained.

Why is Mary important in JP2’s argument?

As the mother of God, Mary has a unique relationship with God, showing women’s value in Christianity.

How does JP2 describe Mary?

As an archetype of female dignity and a role model, especially for women.

How does motherhood link women to salvation?

Motherhood allows women to share in the unique relationship God initiated through the incarnation.

How does Beauvoir critique Mary’s role?

Women are valued only as obedient servants, reinforcing submission.

What is Mary Daly’s argument?

Mary is placed on a pedestal to promote female submission; her value lies in passive acceptance.

Why does Daly describe Mary as a ‘rape victim’?

Not literally, but to show Mary had no agency and was used to idealise female obedience.

Why is this critique effective?

Valuing one ‘ideal’ woman manipulates expectations for all women.

How does the slave analogy support Daly’s view?

Valuing an obedient slave does not negate systemic oppression — it reinforces it.

What is the ‘maternal instinct’?

The belief that women are naturally inclined to become mothers due to biology or divine design.

How does Oakley challenge this?

Through sociological evidence showing maternal behaviour is learned, not innate.

What evidence supports Oakley’s claim?

Neglected girls are more likely to become neglectful mothers, suggesting maternal behaviour is taught.

What did Oakley find about housewives?

Many were unhappy in their roles, undermining the idea that motherhood is naturally fulfilling.

How does Beauvoir summarise this argument?

“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.”

How does Stephen Pinker criticise social constructionism?

He rejects the ‘blank slate’ theory, arguing biology plays some role in gender differences.

He rejects the ‘blank slate’ theory, arguing biology plays some role in gender differences.

Differences in prenatal and adult testosterone levels.

What traits might testosterone influence?

Competitiveness, aggression, and obsession.

Why don’t biological differences justify traditional gender roles?

Increased freedom has reduced gender differences, showing social influence dominates.

How does Mill strengthen this evaluation?

If motherhood were biologically fixed, society wouldn’t need pressure, shame, or expectation to enforce it.

What is the most reasonable conclusion?

Gender roles are mostly socially constructed; individuals should be treated as individuals, not defined by biology.