Harding - Ch. 5 READ PP. 111-125

Natural Resources: Gaining Moral Approval for Scientific Genders and Genderized Sciences

Feminist criticisms highlight a historical entanglement whereby science has leveraged both gender politics as a tool for advancement and, conversely, has facilitated the naturalization of women's subjugation. This complex interaction mirrors mutual support systems observed between racism, classism, and scientific practices. In this chapter, we focus specifically on gender symbolism—how it has acted as a resource for the moral and political elevation of scientific endeavors while simultaneously being shaped by scientific advances. Notably, the analysis emphasizes that gender symbolism is often rooted in actual or perceived definitions of gendered labor, coupled with the nuanced interactions of individual gender identities and socially prescribed behaviors. It is crucial to acknowledge that gender symbolism does not straightforwardly mirror labor divisions or participants’ identities, as the assumptions therein are deeply constructed rather than merely descriptive. Additionally, we will review literature that pertains to the social construction of gender and what is typically understood as "sex differences."

Should the History and Philosophy of Science Be X-Rated?

The discussion begins with the consideration of how gender politics have historically influenced both the language of scientists and philosophers, leading to underlying assumptions about gender roles. Historically, gender symbolism has emerged prominently in marginal comments or asides rather than formal assertions, revealing biases that presume all participants and audiences are male. The portrayal of scientific endeavors often mirrors misogynous attitudes that equate scientific inquiry with male relationships characterized by dominance and control. As we explore historical examples, it becomes evident that prevailing notions of science as a neutral pursuit are fundamentally shaped by socio-political contexts that have frequently favored masculine dominance.

Critics assert that metaphors linked to rape and torture frequently appear in the writings of notable figures like Sir Francis Bacon, reflecting a broader societal understanding of nature as something to be dominated. While past historians have dismissed the relevance of such metaphors to scientific concepts, it’s critical to consider how the framing of nature through these misogynous lenses influences both methodology and conceptual foundations in science. The alignment of gender metaphors with scientific progress suggests a troubling normalization of violence and control that could similarly permeate other fields.

Changes in Gender Symbolism in Scientific Practice

During the transition from organic to mechanistic conceptions of nature—prompted in part by the Copernican revolution—there emerged dramatic shifts in the gendered representation of the universe. Nature was re-conceptualized from a nurturing, life-generating force to a passive entity subjected to masculine authority. Moreover, the shift from viewing earth as a nurturing mother to a mere mechanical system emphasized a new status quo that positioned women and nature as entities to be exploited rather than revered.

As science progressed, changes in political and social orders, including the visibility of women in public life, further complicated notions of gender, leading to both social disruption and the demonization of women as disruptive agents. This historical backdrop of evolving gender symbolism significantly influenced scientific practice and illustrating that science and culture are not only contemporaneous but also intricately linked.

Contemporary Gender Symbolism in Science

Contemporary attitudes toward gender in science mirror those of earlier periods, though they appear more sophisticated in their articulation. The metaphors used within scientific discourse continue to draw upon and reinforce traditional gender roles, contrasting "hard" and "soft" data among other dichotomies rooted in gender symbolism. These underlying beliefs perpetuate a notion of objectivity in science, all while obscuring the intellectual and practical realities shaped by gender dynamics.

Social Construction of Human Sexuality

Recent theories highlight how beliefs about sex differences are less a product of biology and more contingent upon social constructs. Research into human sexuality has demonstrated a significant plasticity that challenges past biological determinism. The identities and roles traditionally assigned to men and women emerge from cultural dynamics rather than fixed biological imperatives. The interplay between societal expectations and biological differences reveals a complex tapestry of human behavior that underscores the need for feminist epistemologies in approaching scientific inquiry.

The works of scholars along various disciplines illustrate how historically entrenched notions of femininity and masculinity shape societal understanding, professional expectations, and ultimately the practice of science itself. Gender dynamics are thus not just side issues but central to the very fabric of scientific inquiry and authority—a point that persists in needing critical examination.

Conclusion

The interconnections between science and gender politics reveal a fundamental intertwining that necessitates deeper scrutiny of existing narratives within scientific discourse. It prompts a re-evaluation of how we conceptualize progress in science in light of the socio-cultural implications and historical realities of gender relations. Scientists and philosophers must confront the implications of their frameworks, ultimately questioning whether the traditions of science perpetuate misleading narratives that marginalize women and reinforce patriarchal structures.