AGS101 Lecture (Labour Day rescheduling) - Emily McAvan_default

Focus of the Lecture

• The major theme of the lecture is a deeper exploration of the complex and often intertwined relationship between sex and gender, emphasizing the need for critical understanding.

Gender and Sex Relationship

• A comprehensive discussion on how gender and sex are interdependent, illustrating the nuanced differences between the two concepts.

• Judith Butler's thought-provoking perspective suggests that sexed bodies are not inherently defined but understood through a gendered lens, thus challenging traditional distinctions.

Lecture Overview

• Topics Explored:

  • Ancient Greek perspectives on the concepts of sex and gender, showcasing historical insights.

  • The concept of essentialism vs. gender performativity, analyzing how society enforces norms.

• Provocative Questions Raised:

  • Why is gender often viewed as a “natural” phenomenon, and what implications does this have?

  • In what ways is gender subject to policing and discipline within various societal frameworks?

Acknowledgment of Indigenous Lands

• A respectful recognition of the Wurundjeri people's role as the traditional owners of the land, setting a tone of respect and awareness.

Definitions of Sex and Gender

• A preliminary definition of sex as pertaining to one's biological or material body.

• An exploration of how cultural practices shape our understanding of sex, leading to diverse and often nuanced perceptions.

• An analysis of binaries (e.g., male/female) and their associated privileges, such as male privilege, which highlights systemic inequalities.

Social Construction of Gender

• Gender perspectives are articulated through cultural practices and historical contexts that impact society's views.

• The concepts of epistemology and ontology are introduced, prompting discussions on what we know and how sex and gender are constituted in society.

• Historical context is highlighted with the notion that the mapping of the clitoris didn’t occur until 1998, illustrating gaps in knowledge.

Historical Perspectives

• An examination of Ancient Greek beliefs reveals a one-sex model where male and female bodies were seen as similar.

• The uterus was perceived as a wandering organ according to Hippocratic views.

• A transition to a binary view emerged in the 19th century, positioning sex as a biological fact, which in turn established fixed gender roles.

Medical and Psychological Perspectives

• Discussion on the misdiagnosis of women’s health concerns stemming from biases in the understanding of gender and sex.

• Reflection on the historical pathologizing of female bodies in medicine, exemplified by conditions like hysteria.

• Analysis of the differing treatments and validation of pain experiences between genders, highlighting systemic issues in healthcare.

Modern Implications

• Continued impact of cultural narratives that shape women’s roles and identities in contemporary society.

• Examples from advertisements that reinforce entrenched gender roles and expectations.

Performative Nature of Gender

• Judith Butler’s influential theory posits that gender is performative, constructed through social norms and cultural expectations.

• An exploration of how gender expressions are shaped by existing cultural interpretations, questioning authenticity and expectation.

Conclusion

• A reflective conclusion emphasizing that ideas surrounding sex and gender are not fixed; they evolve depending on historical and social contexts.

• The significance of acknowledging these changes is underscored, as it provides a clearer understanding of gender and sex dynamics in society.