Reading-material

Page 1: Understanding Sex and Gender

Definitions

• Sex

  • Refers to the biological characteristics, including genetics, anatomy, and physiology, defining humans as female or male.

  • Biological characteristics are not mutually exclusive; some individuals possess both male and female traits.

• Intersex

  • A natural variation where individuals are born with physical, hormonal, or genetic traits that do not fit typical definitions of male or female.

  • Example: Caster Semenya, born with 5-Reductase 2 deficiency, has XY chromosomes and elevated testosterone levels. Classified as a woman with hyperandrogenism by IAAF in 2011.

• Gender

  • A socially constructed set of roles associated with being male or female, varying across cultures.

  • Unlike sex, gender can change over time and is influenced by socio-economic factors, age, education, ethnicity, and religion.

Gender Specifics

• Gender Roles

  • Deeply rooted but subject to change as social values and norms evolve over time.

• Research by Lisa Diamond (2008)

  • Explored sexual and gender identity fluidity, indicating that such identities may change throughout a person’s lifespan.

• National Center for Transgender Equality Survey (2015)

  • Highlights that individuals often recognize their gender identity later in life, showcasing evolving self-understanding.

Sexual Orientation

• Defines patterns of sexual, romantic, and emotional attraction and the associated identity base.

Page 2: CEDAW and Women's Rights

CEDAW Overview

• CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women)

  • Adopted by the UN in 1979; effective from September 3, 1981.

  • The Philippines signed on July 15, 1980, and ratified it on August 5, 1981, becoming the first ASEAN country to do so.

  • As of May 2015, ratified by 189 states.

Key Definitions and Concepts

• Discrimination Against Women

  • Defined as any distinction or exclusion based on sex that impairs or nullifies the recognition and enjoyments of human rights by women.

• Types of Discrimination

  • Direct Discrimination: Laws that explicitly deny women equal rights (e.g., inheritance laws favoring men).

  • Indirect Discrimination: Policies that disadvantage women (e.g., work experience requirements that ignore career gaps due to maternity).

State Obligations and Reports

• State obligations under CEDAW include reporting on compliance and the actions taken to uphold women's rights.

• Reports indicate ongoing issues in the Philippines, such as VAWC, lack of access to divorce, and adverse effects of anti-drug campaigns on women.

Substantive Equality

• Involves addressing negative stereotypes and ensuring equality by implementing corrective measures.

• Acknowledges the patriarchal view that positions women as inferior.

Statistics

• Women hold only 17% of government positions.

• One in three women experiences abuse.

• Two-thirds of the world’s illiterate are women.

• Ten million more girls than boys are out of school.

Page 3: Feminist Waves

2 Types of Approaches

• Protectionist Approach

  • Views women as vulnerable; protects them but limits opportunities.

• Corrective Approach

  • Seeks to benefit both genders by creating safe environments (e.g., factory security enhancements).

The Philippine Constitution (1987)

• Article II, Section 14: Recognizes women's role in nation-building and mandates equality before the law.

• Article XIII, Section 14: Ensures safe working conditions for women.

Feminism Defined

• A movement aiming for gender equality and equal rights across societal structures.

Feminist Waves

• First Wave (Late 19th - Early 20th Century)

  • Focus: Women’s basic human rights, suffrage, and reproductive rights.

  • Notable Events: 19th Amendment (1920), Seneca Falls Convention (1848).

  • Limited focus led to exclusion of women of color’s issues.

• Second Wave (1960s - 1980s)

  • Addressed traditional gender roles and systemic oppression.

  • Significant achievements: Equal Pay Act (1963), Roe v. Wade (1973).

Page 4: Feminism Types

Types of Feminism

• Mainstream, Radical, Cultural: Three core ideologies emerge from the waves of feminism.

• Third Wave Feminism (1990s - Early 2000s)

  • Celebrates individuality and intersectionality; acknowledges diverse issues faced by women.

  • Reacts against earlier exclusionary practices, focusing on race and sexuality.

  • Introduced the term "intersectionality" by Kimberlé Crenshaw (1989).

Fourth Wave Feminism (2010s - Present)

• Often linked to the MeToo movement, it emphasizes inclusivity and challenges traditional narratives of feminism.

• Focuses on intersectionality and includes trans rights, addressing the historical exclusion of transgender women.

Page 5: Feminism Categorized

Liberal Feminism

• Operates within existing societal frameworks, advocating for reforms like suffrage and equal pay without challenging patriarchal structures.

Radical Feminism

• Challenges the patriarchy as the core of women's oppression, aiming for transformative societal changes.

Black Feminism

• Highlights the unique experiences of Black women, asserting that race, gender, and class interconnect.

Marxist and Socialist Feminism

• Links capitalism to women's oppression, pushing for control over reproduction to ensure economic freedom.

  • Double Exploitation: Women face exploitation as workers and homemakers (double shift).

Cultural Feminism

• Celebrates perceived positive traits of women, advocating for their leadership based on these differences.

Eco-Feminism

• Connects patriarchy with environmental degradation, calling for sustainable practices and respect for nature.

Page 6: Societal Theories on Gender

Structural Functionalism

• Views society as a system where human behavior serves to maintain organization and stability.

• Emphasizes the role of family in regulating sexual behavior for societal integrity.

  • Argues that procreation should occur within marriage.

Symbolic Interactionism

• Focuses on daily interactions and meanings associated with gender and sexuality.

• Acknowledges the devaluation of femininity and the societal norm of masculinity.

• Critiques the limitations of focusing solely on micro-interactions; overlooks broader inequality patterns.

Social Conflict Theory

• Analyzes how gender distribution in power and privilege disadvantages marginalized groups.

• Highlights the conflict around marriage rights for LGBTQ+ individuals, arguing for equality against traditional beliefs.